
Glass. 
Book. 



-T-^^Z 








V / 




FOURTH EDITION. 






HAND-BOOK 



OF 



VIRGINIA. 



BY THE 

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



KICHMOND, VA.: 

JOHNS A GOOLSBY, BOOK AND JOB PKINTER9. 

1886. 



FOURTH EDITION. 



HAND-BOOK 



OP 



VIRGIN I A. rv-^ 



(1 



BY THE 

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



RICHMOND, VA.: 
JOHNS & GOOLSBY, BOOK AND JOB PEINTERS. 

1885. 









*:^ 



fi*-i: 



190S 



PREFACE. 



The act of March 29th, 1877, establishing the Department of Agriculture, in 
prescribing the duties of the Commissioner, requires him, first of all, to "pre- 
pare, under his own direction, a hand-book describing the geological formations 
of the various counties of this State, with information as to the general adapta- 
tion of the soil of the sa" 1 counties for the various products," &c. 

The first Commissioner, Dr. Pollard, in accordance with this requirement, pub- 
lished such a hand-book, and distributed three small editions, the last in 1881. 
These have long since been exhausted, and none have been issued since the edi- 
tion of 1881. Since the present Commissioner came into office there have been 
many applications frorn citizens of other States, principally, from the North and 
West, for documents of this sort — for information as to the soil, resources, and 
climate of the State, and such other particulars as would guide thera in seeking a 
new home. Fortunately I had placed at mj^ disposal a large number of copies 
of Hotchkiss' Summary — which is, what it purports to be, a full " Description of 
the State, its Geology, Soils, Minerals, and Climate — Animal and Vegetable Produc- 
tions, Manufacturing and Commercial Facilities," «&;c. These, and copies of Com- 
modore Maury's "Physical Survey of Virginia," I have sent abroad where I 
thought they would do most good, thus supplying, to a certain extent, the need 
of a hand-book. 

But, apart from the fact that a liberal construction of the requirement " to pre- 
pare a hand-book " shows the obligation upon the Commissioner to continue to 
issue such publications from time to time, I think the " hand-book" fills a place 
— supplies a ne-' * -which even such a magazine of information as the "Summary" 
of Hotchkiss car , t fully supply. The spirit of the age more and more calls for 
condensation s. particularity — working men want information culled out and 
put in concise snape — digested for them, as it were. A hand-book should be what 
its name imports — a publication brief and to the point — portable — easy of refer- 
ence — a book for the hand — a truthful finger-post to direct the immigrant where 
to find the best location. 

The present publication falls far short of the standard I have set up, and but 
that from various causes I have been delayed in getting it out far beyoiid the time 
expected, I would rewrite the greater part and try to make it conform more nearly 
to my ideal. 

In the elfort to be concise, doubtless many things have been left out which 
should be recorded^ and, after all, there wall be found matter which a more judi- 
cious editor would have excluded. 

To secure full and accurate information, embracing all the improvements — the 
betterments — that have been introduced in the different sections of the State, at 



I HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

least one correspondent in each county was written to, with a request to give a 
concise description of said county — soil, climate, products to which it seemed best 
suited — its resources of all kinds, as minerals, timber, water-power, &c. — its ad- 
vantages and attractions, including accessibility to market — all these items of in- 
formation for the guidance of intending settlers I hoped to get from the fountain 
heads in every quarter of the State. 

But the responses have been few — instead of the valuable descriptive paper 
asked for frooi each county, I have received at the rate of one from each ten. To 
those correspondents who complied with my request, I beg leave to return grate- 
ful acknowledgments, and to the many who did not, as well as to the public, I 
would express my regrets that so meagre description of not a few counties had 
to be given — that they are not credited with various improvements, which have 
been made in the last year or two, and which are brightening their prospects and 
making them more attractive. 

The papers desci iptive of the Piedmont division, and that Northern half from 
Botetourt to Jefferson and Berkeley, were contributed by Captain Richard Jrby, 
general agent of the "Bureau of Immigration," and the papers upon the South- 
ern half of the Valley, '*Blue Eidge," and "Appalachia," are the work of Capt. 
C. R. Boyd, of Wytheville. To those who know these gentlemen it is unneces- 
sary that I should speak of their marked fitness for giving a graphic description 
of the resources of these sections of the State, with which they were, perhaps^ 
more familiar than I was with the Eastern division. 

RANDOLPH flARRISON, Commissioner.^ 



"JjuCins-yijix: 



MpCf- Ict-C^ ^««^ 






^^^ 




HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



OR 

BRIEF GENERAL REVIEW 

OF 



VIRGINIA. 



Virgiuia — what is left since the excision of West Virginia — lies between the 
parallels of 36° 21^ and 39°. 27'' N",, and contains an area variously estiraated at 
from 38,000 to 45,000 square miles. The designation, "Keystone State," would 
be more appropriate to Virginia than to Pennsylvania, seeing that it is one of the 
original thirteen States which occupies just that position — "keystone" of the 
arch in the grand sweep or curve of the coast from the Bay of Fundy to Florida, 
According to the classification of Maury and Guyot, it is the southernmost of the 
" Middle Atlantic " States. HotchMss, in his "Summary," says: " Virginia, as 
a whole, lies in the region of 'middle latitudes,' giving it a climate of 'means,' 
between the extremes of heat and cold incident to States south and north of it.' ' 
Dr. M. G. Ellzey, of Washington, D. C, well says : "The geographical position 
and physical features of Virginia are eminently favorable to a salubrious air and 
delightful climate equally removed from extremes of heat and cold." 

The often-quoted expression of Captain John Smith, "Heaven and earth never, 
agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation," shows the estimation in 
which Virginia was held by the early settlers. 

In 1858, the Hon. Caleb Gushing, of Massachusetts, in an address delivered in 
Richmond, declared his belief that "without disparagement of other parts of the 
Union, the belt of country subtended by the Chesapeake Bay, and extending in- 
definitely westward, possessed the climate and other conditions most favorable to 
the highest development of man and the horse, the noblest of the animal crea- 
tion." While this may well be considered somewhat in the light of a complimen- 
tary exaggeration, for we hold that this imaginary belt should be considerably 
broadened, north and south, yet it is probable that the central zone of the most 
favored climate lies within the limits marked out. Indeed, the truth of the utter- 



4 JdAJNU JiUUK (Jt ViKUliNiA. 

ance with regard to the horse — cleflning the region where he reaches the highest 
degree of perfection — seems now to be established beyond cavil by the conceded 
preeminence of Kentucky which has taken the place once held by Virginia as the 
"race-horse region," and moreover is surpassing all other States in breeding 
horses for trotting and for all general purposes. 

It is affirmed also that men there attain greater stature than anyw^liere else on 
the continent. 

Even if this claim be regarded as untenable, it cannot be denied that the region 
in question is highly favored by nature. 

Going from the lowlands of Virginia westward we pass from the warm alluvial 
districts of "Tidewater," which are tempered by the influence of the gulf -stream, 
through the more elevated region of " Middle" Virginia and Piedmont, across the 
Blue Ridge into the great limestone formation of the "Valley" — thence into 
"Trans- Alleghany," or "Appalachia,"' which is also a limestone region, in part, 
the diflference of elevation, geological formation, distance from the sea, &c., giving 
an almost unlimited choice of industrial pursuits. 

For more convenient reference and examination by any who are thinking of 
settling or prospecting in Virginia, a short description of the State is here given 
by grand divisions, each with the counties composing it. These are taken in the 
order indicated above, from east to west, viz : 

Area— Square Miles. 

Tidewater Virginia 11,350 

Middle Virginia 12,470 

Piedmont Virginia 6,680 

The Valley 7,550 

The Blue Ridge 1,230 

Appalachia 5,720 



See Map. 



45,000 



THE TIDEWATER DIVISION. 



The first of these, " Tidewater," is an alluvial region rising from the sands tha 
skirt the ocean, the "post-tertiary " formation, to the low plains nearest! the Chesa- 
peake Bay, the "pliocene — then to the "middle tertiary," the "miocene" — the 
strip of country extending, as ascertained by Rogers and Ruffln, to a line passing 
through Matthias Point on the Potomac and Coggin's, on James river, near City 
Point— there we strike the "eocene," or " lower tertiary," a formation underly- 
ing the others, and coming next in age and elevation to the archaean formation 
of the "middle division," which it joins in its western boundary at the head of 
tide. 

SOIIiS AND CROPS. 

Tbe soils of this division are, in general, light, warm, easily tilled — and favored, 
to this end, with a semi-tropical climate, are, "par excellence," garden soils — 
admirably adapted to raising early vegetables for the great markets of the North- 
ern cities. This is especially the character of the Eastern Shore, the Norfolk, 
and parts of the Hampton and Gloucester Peninsulas. In a more restricted sense 
this description of the soil is applicable to the greater part of Tidewater. The 
land is "kind," and easily worked — an important factor in estimating the value 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

of land, as every practical farmer knows. The late Gov. H. A. Wise used to say 
of the lands of the Eastern Shore that they were more profitable than other soils 
which would make twice as much per acre, because, in the first, "a man and a 
mule could, thanks to the easy tillage and greater surface he could work, make 
more crop on the light land than on the strong— and in this country, where land 
is abundant and cheap, labor is the element most to be considered." 

The products of this division are very varied, and can be further diversified to 
an almost unlimited extent. 

Cotton is grown with great profit in several counties. Peanuts, the finest pro- 
duced anywhere. Corn and oats everywhere. Wheat of the very best quality, 
and grass, except where the lands are too light for these crops, as is the case with 
some of the most valuable. 

Tobacco is cultivated to a very small extent in some of the Tidewater counties. 
In colonial times it was the staple— not only the money crop, but the currency of 
the colony ; and the reputation of Virginia tobacco was built upon the product of 
the Tidewater section. The tobacco grown at " Varina," on James river, had an 
especial reputation, and the name of the place is said to have been given it be- 
cause the quality of the tobacco there grown resembled that of "■ Varinas," in 
Cuba. 

There is no doubt that excellent tobacco can \)&—has been— grown in every 
county in this section ; and probably in every one in the State. The prevailing 
practice, however, seems to indicate that in many localities other crops have been 
found more profitable— hence the culture of tobacco has been abandoned in county 
after county, so that there are many persons who have never seen the plant grow 
ing. 

But now that fashions are changing— new kinds of tobacco in demand, as, for 
instance, "Sumatra," which is being largely imported for cigar-wrappers, some 
fine, high-priced variety may be found which will suit this country and be profit- 
able here ; and Lower Virginia may regain her reputation for "sweet-scented," 
or highly-flavored tobacco. 

SHEEP AND HOKSES. 

This country is well-adapted to sheep. The earliest lambs, and some of the 
finest in the State, are raised here, and have been shipped to New York with great 
profits 

Fifty years ago the finest blooded horses of America were bred here in the 
western counties of "Tidewater," and the adjoining counties of the "Middle 
Division." This was called the "race-horse region," and it was long supposed 
that nowhere else could this class of horse be raised in equal perfection. 

GKASS. 

This claim, and the one Just preceding, that Eastern Virginia is a good sheep- 
raising region, may seem strange in view of the fact that it is commonly consid- 
ered the very reverse of a "grass country ;" but the native grasses, as wire-grass, 
crab-grass, and occasionally blue-grass (poa compressa), are very nutritious. 

Moreover, one of the results of the late war was to show that timothy, orchard 
and other grasses, previously supposed to be ill-suited to the country, would grow 
luxuriantly under proper conditions. Even old residents were surprised to find 
timothy, &c., growing in perfection where horses had been picketed and fed upon 



6 HAND BOOK OF VLEGINIA. 

Northern hay ; and there is no longer any doubt that hay, the very fiaest, can be 
grown here. Some of the best that comes to the Richmond market is made upon 
the James river between Eichmond and Norfolk. 

FRUITS. 

This is a fine fruit country. Apples, pears, grapes, and small fruits, grow in 
great perfection. The peach is not a sure crop in the greater part of this country. 

TIMBBK. 

This region is well-wooded, as indeed is all of Virginia, the growth varying 
greatly with the geological and climatic differences referred to above. In the 
Tidewater division we find abundance of the finest pine, cypress, juniper, white 
and other oaks, ash, maple, gum, locust, cedar, holly, dogwood, hickory — some 
walnut, sycamore, persimmon — and many other trees of minor importance. In 
some of the lower counties are large quantities of fine chestnut timber. All along 
the banks of some of the rivers we find the white mulberry — the " morus alba " — 
growing in great profusion, offering an inviting field for silk-raising. This tree 
was introduced from Europe by Gov. Digges, one of the colonial governors, and 
has made itself at home along James river and its lower tributaries, flourishing 
and propagating itself as if indigenous. 

NAVIGABLE WATEKS. 

. Various writers have commented on the number of the navigable streams which 
indent this portion of the State. One of the oldest of them, in closing a descrip- 
tion, says : " So that no country iu the world can be more curiously watered; but 
this conveniency, that in future times may make her like the Netherlands, the 
richest place in all America, at the present I look on as the greatest impediment 
to the advance of the country, as it is the greatest obstacle to trade and com- 
merce. For the great number of rivers and the thinness of the inhabitants dis- 
tract and disperse a trade. So that all ships in general gather each their loading 
up and down an hundred miles distant. This {i. e., the number of rivers), is one 
of the chief reasons why they have no towns, &c." 

The same remark has been made by Mr. Jefferson and others, and explains why 
Virginia cities have been of such slow growth until recently — since water trans- 
portation is no longer paramount. 

Admitting the disadvantage in this respect, there are many counterbalancing 
advantages. This is a country of abundance — the rivers yield the finest fish, oys- 
ters, wild fowl; and as remarked by Dr. Pollard, "The numerous creek? indent- 
ing this country furnish the cheapest and readiest means for a commerce which 
comes home to the abodes of the rural inhabitants, while the ravines and river- 
cliffs, washed by the tides, disclose the rich marls which are destined to bestow 
the highest rewards upon its enterprise by spreading fertility and wealth upon the 
farmers who use them." 

MABL. 

To speak of the geology of this country is to give a description of the wealth of 
marl underlying it — the whole region from the ocean to tlie head of tide probably 
resting upon beds of marl at greater or less depth. There are, as far as is known, 
no minerals here possessing value other than in an agricultural point of view, 



HAND-BOOK OP VIRGINIA. 7 

except the ochre bed? of Chesterfield county, near Bermuda Hundreds. The 
small deposits of iron ore occasionally found in the marl-beds, or bog ore near the 
streams, do not constitute an exception worth speaking of. But the a2;ricultural 
value of the marls of Virginia cannot well be overestimated — exhaustless stores 
of fertilizing material laid ap for the future — they will some day make the alluvial 
region of Virginia the Belgium of America. A full description of the geological 
formation of this alluvial region would not be interesting to the unscientific reader, 
but it may be well to call attention to the difference between the marls of the 
more recent formations, the pliocene and miocene, which derive their value mainly 
from the carbonate of lime which they contain, and the green sands and olive 
earths which are found in the eocene in conjunction with the shell or calcareous 
marl. (Green sand is sometimes found mixed with the marl of the miocene region.) 

The region of eocene marls extends from the falls of the river eastward fifteen 
to twenty miles. Miocene marl is often found overlying the eocene, and is easily 
recognized by the difference, in the shells which it contains — scallops and others 
not found in the eocene. Beneath this (Professor Kogers, quoted by Dr. Pollard, 
says) and usually separated from it by a thin line of " black pebbles,"* like those 
occurring on the Pamunkey, there occurs a stratum of greenish red and yellow 
aspect, containing much green sand and gj'^psum, the latter partly disseminated 
in small grains, and partly grouped in large crystals. The under stratum, rich 
in green sand and containing a few shells in friable condition, extends to some 
depth below the level of the river. At "Evergreen " the whole thickness of the 
deposit appears to be about twenty feet. 

This was said of the James river formation, but will apply as a general descrip- 
tion to the deposits of the Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Rappahannock, and Potomac, 
as Professor Rogers says " eocene marl is there found very similar to that in the 
James. On the Mattaponi the occurrence of green sand strata has been ascer- 
tained in some places while in others the beds containing the substance have been 
replaced by beds of clay which are less likely to prove valuable agriculturally. 
The olive earth overlying some of these beds, particularly on the Pamunkey, seems 
to have lost some of the carbonate of lime which it once contained, and has but a 
small portion of gypsum." See report of Dr. Ledoux, p 10. 

Much has been said of the wonderful change wrought in the lands of New Jer- 
sey by the use of the green-sand marl found in the eocene formation in that State, 
and I cannot do better than quote Dr. Pollard's remarks and citations at second 
hand from Prof. H. D. Rogers' report in the Geology of New Jersey, differing 
with him as to the "valuable constituents" of the green sand, to which its mar- 
vellous effects are due. 

" Of the agricultural value of eocene marl there can be no doubt. It has been 
used with great success in New Jersey, and very profitably on the James and 
Pamunkey in Virginia. For some time beds containing a portion of carbonate of 
lime (shells) and gypsum were sought after, particularly on the Pamunkey, to the 
neglect of the underlying green sand. Afterwards the green sand was learned to 
be appreciated. On " Turkey Island Creek," in Henrico, deposits were found al- 
most void of shells, which have been used to great advantage, particularly in pro- 
moting the growth of clover, and secondarily of the cereals. The effect of green 
sand is very permanent as well as very efficacious from the beginning. In New 
Jersey it iias been used in almost unmixed condition for many years, and is highly 
prized as a fertilizer. There, it is said, as small an application as ten or fifteen 

*2ifOTE.— These "black pebbles" are no doubt " ooprolites" rich in phosphoric acid. See report 
of Dr. Ledoux on p. 10. 



5 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

bushels to ao acre is uniformly attended with most excellent eiFects, whether the 
soil be clay or a light sterile sand. Prof. Rogers quotes the following from his 
brother, Henry D. Eogers' report on the Geology of New Jersey: "When we 
behold a luxuriant harvest gathered from fields where the soil was nothing origi- 
nally but sand, and find it all due to the use of a mineral sparsely disseminated 
in the sandy beach, we must look with exulting admiration upon the benefits to 
vegetation conferred by a few scattered granules of this unique and peculiar sub- 
stance. The small amount of green sand dispersed through the common sand is 
able, as we behold, to effect immeasurable benefits in spite of the great preponl 
derance of other material, which we are taugfit to regard as, by itself, prejudicia- 
generally to fertility. This ought to exhibit an encouraging picture to those dis_ 
tricts not directly within the limits of the marl tract, where some of the strata 
contain the green substance in sensible proportion. It expands most materially 
the limits of the territory where marling may be introduced, and points to many 
beds as fertilizing which would otherwise be deemed wholly inefficacious." 

The dark, greenish clays and sands in this region have sometimes been mistaken 
for green sand. These clays are destitute of fossils, and have an astringent or 
copperas flavor, and generally a strong sulphurous odor, though a slight sulphur 
odor is sometimes discovered in the best marls. Small shells, well-decomposed, 
are often found sparsely distributed through these eocene marls, though an almost 
total absence of shells is sometimes observed in some of the best of them, as, for 
instance, those of Turkey Island Creek, in Henrico. Fine, sparkling scales of 
mica have been mistaken in these deposits for gypsum. The kinds of shell often 
found in the miocene and eocene marls serve to distinguish them when there is 
any doubt about the classification of the variety of marl. The saddle-shaped 
oyster is found in the eocene or green sand marls, and not in the miocene or 
shell marls ; and the common scallop or clam is found in the latter, and not in the 
former. 

The eocene marls have been extensively used in the past, and some are using 
them now, but to a limited extent generally ; and the same remarks are applica- 
ble to the miocene. It is to be hoped that their use will be resumed generallj^ as 
where the deposits are accessible and of good quality there can be no doubt of 
the value of their aiaplication ; and this particularly refers to the green sand va- 
riety. Where these latter deposits exist on the rivers, it would no doubt be pro- 
fitable to transport to farms up and down the rivers, and probably over railroads 
for short distances, where the roads touch the rivers. Formerlj' these marls were 
boated up and down the rivers in lighters, particularly on James river. As the 
condition of affairs improves, and farmers acquire more means, they will no doubt 
find it much to their advantage to use these marls to increase the fertility of their 
lands." 

Where these marls co-exist some of the effects are, of course, due to the lime, 
and some to potash in the green sand, but where the latter exists in good propor- 
tion the influence is no doubt due more to the green sand than the lime. Sulphate 
lime (gypsum) existing in many of the eocene marl deposits, no doubt on some 
soils exerts a beneficial effect. 

Note. — It was long supposed that to the potash contained in green-sand marls 
was due their great value in restoring wornout lands, and it is not surprising that 
Dr. Pollard, the first ©ommissioner of Agriculture in this State, active in acquiring 
knowledge as he was zealous in disseminating it, should have been of that opin- 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 9 

ion. But that the principal value of green sand is attributable to its phosphoric 
acid seems to be clearly proven by Prof. Geo. H, Cook, LL. D., State Geologist 
New Jersey. I give his conclusions as of the very higjiest authority. 

GREEN SAND MARLS. 

" Green sand marls have been of inestimable value and influence in improving 
New Jersey agriculture. They have been the means of restoring large districts 
of wornout land to fertility ; they have improved the texture and productiveness 
of lands naturally too light to be otherwise worth cultivation. They continue to 
be used in large quantities, and constitute a valuable low priced fertilizer — very 
desirable where the cost of transportation is not too great. 

Phosphoric acid is in all the green sand marls, and is in combination with lime 
or iron, forming phosphate of lime or phosphate of iron. It is not a part of the 
marl grains, but is mixed through the mass of them, in fine powder or in small, 
light green and very soft grains. It is insoluble in water, but in good form to 
dissolve in the soil. It is in very variable quantities in tlie marls from different, 
beds, and in marls from different depths in the same bed there are considerable 
difierences in the percentages of this substance. Some of the best marls which 
are sold contain 3 to 4 per cent, of phosphoric acid, while there are others sold 
which do not contain more than a half of 1 per cent, of this acid. Potash is a 
constituent of the grains of green sand marl, and makes from 5 to 7 per cent, of 
its weight. It is combination with silica and silicates of iron, alumina and mag- 
nesia. It is quite insoluble in water, and though it may be soluble in some other 
substances, it is not more likely to be dissolved than the other mineral substances 
in the soil, for example, than feldspar or glass. We have no evidence that it is of 
any eflect in growing crops, and we cannot assign any price to it. It should be 
of value in composts, and there is some reason to believe that the action of quick- 
lime or of fermenting manures will liberate and make soluble some of the potash. 
Carbonate of lime, in fine powder, is found in some of the green-sand marls, but 
not in all of them. Samples have been anah'zed which contain 20 per cent, of its 
substance, while many others are found which do not contain any. Small quan- 
tities of sulphate of lime and sulphate of iron may also be found in some of the 
marl. 

The experience of the farmers who use marl, and the chemical tests which have 
been applied to the marl which they approve, and also to those which they do not 
value, have led to the following conclusions : 

1. That marls containing the most phosphoric acid are the ones which are most 
highly esteemed by farmers. 

2. That marls containing carbonate of lime in fine powder, besides any fehells^ 
that may be in them, are the best and most lasting fertilizers, though they must 
he used in large quantities. 

3. That marls consisting of pure grains of green sand, though containing their 
full percentage of potash, are frequently without any fertilizing action, and their 
effects ai'e not very well marked in any ca<es. 

Accepting these conclusions as being up to the present state of our knowledge, 
we have not thought it of use to analyze the samples sent in this j^ear for anj?^- 
thing quantitatively but pliosphoric acid and carbonate ol lime, and qualitatively 
for sulphate of iron." 



10 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



260 
261 
.265 
266 
275 
■276 



Fkom Who'm Samples were Received. 



Edward Conover, Mapleton, N". J., (lij^ht green) 

Edward Conover, Mapleton, K. J., (dark green) , 

Charles F. Tice, Williamstown, Marshall's Pits, (blue) 

Charles F. Tice, Williamstown, Marshall Pits 

West Jersey Marl Co., McFarland Farm, (green) , 

West Jersey Marl Co., Ware's Pits (green) 



is 

O o 

^ o 

I'g 

Eh a 


i 
1.01 
1.38 
1.54 
0.70 
1 09 
1 12 



ej as 33 



50.19 
50 61 



The above was quoted in full because it will apply equally well, I think, to the 
green sands of Virginia as to those of New Jersey. 

I have before me a copy of an exhaustive report made by Dr. Ledoux, a distin- 
.guisbed chemist of New York, upon certain marl-beds on the Pamunkey, which 
he carefully examined and from which he took samples in various places for the 
determination of the percentage of phosphoric acid and potash. 

PJiosphoric Acid. Potash. 

In one sample qf green sand he found 9.99 per cent. 2.72 per cent. 

In another 1.37 " 132 " 

In " olive earth" 6.49 " 0.53 " 

Another sample. 7.76 " 0.53 " 

" Between the olive earth and the green sand is a singular deposit, varying from 
one to six inches in width (qu. depth? C. A.), and appearing everywhere at the 
juncture between the two formations. It consists principally of well-preserved 
bones, shark's teeth, and other fossils, with a multitude of small nodules varying 
in size from that of a pea up to a circumference of three inches. These nodules 
are very rich in phosphoric acid, and in my opinion nothing more or less than 
coprolites." 

The great diversity in the composition of the two samples of green sand analyzed 
is very striking, one containing nearly 10 per cent, of phosphoric acid, and the 
other only 1.37 per cent. Even this is a larger percentage than was given by Dr_ 
Gaseoyne in the laboratory of this Department. Samples of the different de- 
posits were brought from the same locality and carefully tested here, and the 

green^sand (the best) showed only 1.01 per cent. phos. acid. 

The oil ve earth 2.64 " " 

Coprolites 23.47 " " 

Bones from rich streak 34.29 " " 



The samples analyzed here may have been taken from the outer edge of the 
deposit, where it had been exposed and weathered so as to lose some of the phos. 
phoric acid. Even the smaller percentage showa, however, is enough to account 
for the great and lasting effects which have resulted from the use of this fertilizer. 
It will be observed that the average of the six samples analyzed by Prof. Cook is 
phosphoric acid, 1.14 per cent., so that if the samples gotten by Prof. Ledoux 
were not far better than the average, Virginia green sand is much richer in phos- 
phoric acid than the New Jersey. 



HAND BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 11 

The " coprolites" are evidently the "black pebbles" of Prof. Rogers, above- 
referred to. If these and the other fossil remains in the " rich streak" could be 
found in large quantities and in an accessible place they would prove a mine of 
wealth to the owner of the deposit. Thorough investigation is needed. 

HEALTH. 

An idea has somehow gained currency that the Tidewater region of Virginia is 
an exceedingly unhealthy country. It is conceded to be very desirable in other 
respects, but the fear of " malaria" keeps away many who otherwise would gladly 
settle there. 

That ague and fever prevails in some sections, it is idle to deny. Other locali- 
ties in the Tidewater region are free from malarial diseases, and there is a remark- 
able immunity from fevers of a typhoid character. I agree with the late Dr. Pol- 
lard in thinking that " if the facts could be known, no more mortality and as 
much longevity would be found in Tidewater as in the mountainous regions of 
Virginia." 

BAILROADS. 

This country, already blessed with exceptional facilities of transportation by 
water, as has been shown, is now penetrated in various directions by railroads, 
securing quick carriage of vegetables, fruits, and perishable commodities to the 
great markets of the Northern cities. The New York, Philadelphia, and Nor- 
folk road now runs through almost the entire length of the Eastern Shore Penin- 
sula, bringing not only that shore but the counties tributary to Norfolk and New- 
port News in close communication with Philadelphia and New York. 

On the Southside the Norfolk and Carolina, connecting Norfolk with Edenton, 
the Norfolk and "Western with its branch from Petersburg to City Point, the Sea- 
board and Roanoke, the Atlantic and Danville, which last has recently been ex- 
tended from deep water, at Claremont, on James river, in Surry county, in a 
southwest course through the Tidewater counties of Surry and Sussex, into Mid- 
dle Virginia, these, with several shorter roads — the Suffolk and North Carolina, 
the roads from Norfolk to "Virginia Beach," and "Ocean View," intersect the 
Tidewater division south of James river. On the north we have the Chesapeake 
^nd Ohio penetrating the Peninsula from Richmond to Hampton Roads, and the 
York River road from Richmond to West Point at the head of York river, and a 
road (the Richmond and Chesapeake) has been surveyed from the capitol to the 
Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the Potomac. The settler in sea,rch of a home 
easy of access can surely find it here, and with it cheap lands, easily cultivated — 
cheap living, an orderly, industrious, and in many sections an exceedingly thrifty 
population, ready to welcome the honest immigrant who will make his home 
among them. 

This last assertion is equally true of all other parts of the State. 



12 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



TIDE-WATER VIRGINIA BY COUNTIES. 



GKOTJPING IN NATURAL SUB-DIVISIONS. COUNTIES. 

f King George, 
I VTestmoreland. 

The first peninsula, or " The Northern Neck " -{ Richmond. 

I Northumberland. 
[Lancaster, 

^ . , f Essex. 

The second, or Middlesex Pemnsula \ Middlesex. 

rKing & Queen, 

The third, or Gloucester Pemnsula \ Mathews. 

(.Gloucester. 

The fourth— the King William or Pamunkey Peninsula JKing William. 

f Hanover. 
I New Kent. 
I JaiTfies City. 
The fifth, or " The Peninsula " -i^ York. 

I Warwick. 

L Elizabeth City. 

. , . . ^ . 1 f Henrico. 

The sixth— Richmond or Chickahommy Pemnsula \ Charles City. 

f Prince George. 
I Surry. 

The seventh, or Southside Peninsula j Southampton. 

Isle of Wight. 
[Nansemond. 

f Norfolk. 
The eighth, or Norfolk Peninsula \ Princess Anne. 

r AcooixiH-C 
The ninth peninsula— " The Eastern Shore" \ Northampton. 

In the following brief description of each county they are taken in alphabetical 
order, except the first two, which are so much alike hi soil, climate and population 
that Northampton follows Accomac, much of what is said of one being equally 
applicable to the other. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 13 



THE EASTERN SHORE PENmSULA. 



AC COM AC 

is the northernmost of the two counties belongmg to Virginia on the "Eastern 
Shore " Peninsula. It contains 243,651 acres of laud, and a population of 24,408 
— is about 40 miles long, with an average width of ten miles, the Atlantic Ocean 
hounding it on the east and the Chesapeake Bay on the west. There are numer- 
ous arms and inlets from both, extending into the main, and a chain of islands on 
the ocean side acting as breakwaters to the higher lands. The salt air from the 
surrounding sea, and the high temperature of the gulf-stream, make the climate 
milder and less liable to frost than other localities much further south. Until re- 
cently, communication with market was by steamboat and sailing vessels only (a 
fine line of steamers plies regularly between this county and Baltimore) — in this 
way the staple crops, the sweet and Irish potatoes, the onions, peas, cabbages and 
other vegetables, and the small fruits, were sent to the markets of Baltimore, 
Philadelphia, and New York, bringing an annual return to ttie producers of a 
million and a half of dollars. 

In addition to these facilities, the building of the New York, Philadelphia and 
Norfolk railway within the last year, from Delmar on the dividing line between 
the States of Delaware and Maryland, to "Cape Charles City," near the mouth 
of Chesapeake Bay, and thence making the city of Norfolk by a line of fast and 
elegant steamers, completes the cliain of the great short line, North and South, 
and lessens the time of transit some ten hours between New York and points 
South, and puts the truckers and fruit-growers of this Peninsula in 9lose commu- 
nication with New York and Philadelphia. The road is admirably located along 
the central line of this county and Northampton, almost an air-line, with a maxi- 
mum grade of less than ten feet — first-class steel rails, and an equipment unsur- 



The soil of this section is a light sandy loam, warm and easily tilled; the sub- 
soil is red clay. Corn and oats were long the staple crops of the Eastern Shore ; 
but with the unsurpassed facilities for marketing small fruits and vegetables, the 
latter industry has come to be the principal one. This region will soon become 
one of the principal market gardens for the great cities of the North. The cli- 
mate is pleasant and salubrious, the salt air being wafted over the Peninsula from 
almost every point of the compass. 

The brief description here given of Accomac is applicable in every particular, 
except that the soil of the latter is in general rather more sandy, to the sister 
county of 



14 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



NORTHAMPTON, 

which occupies the southern end of the Peninsula. It is thirty miles long, with 
an average width of only about five miles, and contains 100,100 acres of land, w ith 
a population of 9,150. All the advantages possessed by Accomac, of easy and 
quick access to market, warm and cheaply tilled soil, and salubrious climate, are 
enjoyed by the citizens of Northampton. 

Fish, oysters and wild fowl form a source of cheap and luxurious living, and 
large revenues to the inhabitants of these counties. There is no part of the coun- 
try cheaper to live in than this. About one-fifth of the population of the Penin- 
sula is engaged in planting oysters and fishing, from which a good living is always 
made. 

Churches are numerous and public schools are convenient. 

The taxes are moderate, being about 90 cents in the hundred dollars' worth of 
property. 

Political freedom here (and everj^where else in Virginia) is a fixed fact. One of 
the strong Democratic towns elected a Republican (a leader of his party) for its 
mayor because he was a good and eiBeient man. 

The county roads are well-located, and naturally good. There is nothing lack- 
ing here (I quote a most intelligent correspondent), " but people — new people — 
new ideas. We are as intelligent and industrious as most people, but we need 
new life to pull us out of the grooves and ruts and turn us into different and more 
progressive channels." 

The same writer says : "These people show, 'strongly marked,' the individu- 
ality of the English settlers, of whom they are the eldest in the LTnited States," 
retaining in a marked degree the quaint manners and expressions of the mother 
country a century and more ago." 

"Lands are for sale at from ten to fifteen dollars per acre," and there is no 
need of a prophet to inform us that they will rapidly enhance in value. 

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORIiEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Coarse sand, from Ocahonock creek, collected by Rich'd Lamb. — C & S. E.^ 

2. Brick Clay, from same locality. 

CAROLINE, 

though classed as one of the Tidewater counties, is in part upon the primary 
or archaean formation. It was formed in 1727 from Essex, King & Queen, and 
King William ; is about 28 miles long and 20 wide ; contains 330,218 acres of land, 
assessed at §1,879,274; population, 17.231. 

It is drained by the Rappahannock, the Mattaponi, the Pamunkey, and their 
tributaries, which are numerous, and is one of the best watered counties in tire 
State. The various rivers and creeks give much bottom land which is very pro- 
ductive, and fine water-power and mill sites. Corn, wheat, and tobacco are largely 
grown. The tobacco of this county is of first-rate quality, there being a belt of 
the "-upper Jurassic" formation all along the line between the tertiary and the 
primary formations; and the lands of this quality are admirably suited to the finer 
qualities of tobacco, as has been remarked in the general description. 

Clover and orchard grass grow well here — perhaps the finest orchard grass seed 
brought to the Richmond market is produced in Caroline. Phosphates are said 



HAND-B )0K OF VIRGINIA. 15 

to act remarkably well on these lands. Sheep are profitable, especially raising 
early lambs for the Northern markets. 

The Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad passing through the centre of this 
county, the Chesapeake and Ohio near its southern edge, and the Rappahannock 
river on its northern boundary, give convenient access to market. 

Large numbers of ISTorthern families have settled in this county, and are said to 
be well pleased with their new homes amongst a thrifty, intelligent and moral 
people. 

CHARLES CITY 

was one of the original shires of Virginia, and was established in 1634. It is 30 
miles long, with a mean width of about eight miles, and contains 113,249 acres, 
assessed at $600,994. Population, 5,516. 

This county occupies the Peninsula formed by the Chickahominy and James 
rivers. The surface is mostly level or gently undulating. The lands on the rivers 
are generally of excellent quality, and constitute a large proportion of the area. 
Many fine estates and sundry old colonial residences grace the banks of the James 
— among them the homes of two Presidents. 

The productions are corn, v/heat, oats, peanuts, clover and the finest timothy 
hay. The grape produces abundant crops, and is rarely affected with disease. 

An enterprising Northern settler has been experimenting here in grape culture 
with signal success. His results, as reported to the Commissioner, have been as- 
tonishing. 

The timber consists of oak, pine, elm, ash, poplar, &c. Large amounts of ship 
timber and cord wood are annually sold and shipped to Northern markets. 

Lying on two navigable rivers, and having a railroad (the C. & O. R. R.) on the 
north boundary, the means of transportation to the markets of the country are 
convenient to all parts. 

Marl is abundant — both eocene and niiocene — some of it rich in green sand. 

ELIZABETH CITY 

was one of the eight original shires into which Virginia was divided in 1634. Its- 
form is nearly a square of seven miles on a side. It lies on Hampton Roads and 
Chesapeake Bay, and is intersected by several creeks. The surface is level, and 
the soil fertile, some of it highly so. The population is 10,792. Number of acres 
of land, 30.861, assessed at -$981,554. There are 15,000 acres in timber, consisting 
of pine, gum, oak, ash, and poplar. The productions are corn, wheat, and 
market trucks — the latter industry rapidly increasing. The supply of fish an i 
oysters is abundant. 

Elizabeth City is penetrated and almost surrounded by navigable waters, and 
the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad has been extended from Newport News to Old 
Point. The land is easily cultivated, living cheap, and the people well con- 
tented with their advantages. 

Hampton is a flourishing town, the seat of that noble institution, the " Hamp- 
ton Normal and Agricultural Institute," which was designed for the education of 
colored youths received from the lovrer schools of the State, and is now very pros- 
perous. It is supported chiefly by landscript donated to the State of Virginia by 
the general government, and was founded in 1870. The general government has 
since made an appropriation for the education here of fifty Indian youths, and 
the experiment of educating Indians here has been very successful and gratifying.. 



16 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

They have gotten along well with the colored youths. This institution is doing 
an admirable work for the State and the country at large. Latterly the number 
of Indian young men has been increased, and some of the other sex added, and 
the work is very satisfactorily prosecuted. 

ESSEX 

was formed in 1692 from Rappahannock county — the records of the original 
county remaining in its archives. It lies on the south side of the Rappahannock 
river, about 45 miles northeast of Richmond, and is about 35 miles long and 6 
wide. The population is 11,037; area, 162,954 acres, assessed at $833,101.72. It 
is well watered by numerous tributaries of the Rappahannock river, some of which 
are navigable. Rappahannock river is well stocked with fish of all kinds common 
X to this latitude, and oysters, and is navigable to the city of Fredericksburg, which 
is about 55 miles above Tappahannock, the county seat. The surface is generally 
level or slightly rolling. The river lands are, where properly drained, very pro- 
ductive and valuable. Back from the river the soil is more sandy, but productive. 
On Dragon swamp, which separates Essex from King & Queen, are some fine 
wheat lands with a heavy, tenacious soil of great fertility. This county was once 
the seat of great wealth, and still produces fine crops of corn, wheat, and oats. 
Tobacco has been, to a small extent, since the war, profitably raised. Marl is 
abundant in many parts of the county, and has been applied with great benefit 
in days gone by. Gypsum and commercial manures are found to act well, and 
clover and orchard grass flourish here. Peanuts might be profitably cultivated. 
Good land can be bought at from $5 to $10 per acre. 

GLOUCESTER 

was formed in 1661 from York. It is 27 miles long, and about eight miles wide, 
and contains 135,745 acres, valued at $1,0S4,655. 

It lies between Mob Jack bay and York river, and is watered by Ware and Sev- 
ern rivers, and by numerous creeks. Piankatank river forms part of its northeast 
boundary. These streams give very extensive tidal waters, mostly navigable for 
large vessels, and filled with fish and oysters of the finest quality. 

The surface is generally level. The soil varies from light, sandy land to a heavy, 
compact clay. 

The products are wheat, corn, oats, potatoes and other market vegetables. The 
stiff land produces very fine crops of wheat and clover, and the lighter soils grow 
good crops of corn, oats and vegetables. 

Marl is abundant, and has been used extensively. 

The means of reaching market are abundant and cheap by steamers and sailing 
vessels on the York, and from all points on the Bay and "Ware and Severn rivers. 

This is a pleasant and healthy climate, the people are hospitable and cultivated, 
the means of good living in easy reach of all who are willing to work. 

Much land is in the market, with good improvements, and can be had at prices 
greatly reduced from ante-bellum valuations. Some of the finest estates in Vir- 
ginia are in this county, and it was noted for wealth and refinement before the 
war. 

The following minerals from Gloucester were on exhibition at the World's In- 
dustrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition at New Orleans : 

1. Fossil shell, with quartz incrustation, from Gloucester Point. 

2. Nodules of fragments of shells. 

3. Miocene marl, with green sand, from Robins' Mill. 



/ 



ERRATA. 

Page 2. Line 15, for that read the, 

2. Line 15, alter the word half insert of the Valley. 

3. Line 4, after the word is insert the. 

11. Line 18, after the word and insert other. 

17. Line 9 from bottom, lor "24.39" read "34.39." 

25. Line 16 from bottom, for has read haw. 

30. Line 20, after the word and insert Ohio. 

34. Line 34, Line 18, for county read country. 

34. Last line, for length read breadth. 

41. Line 15 from bottom, after the word Richmond insert and. 

41. Line 5 from bottom, after the word eight insert gold. 

42. Line 1, for Everman read Overman. 
47. Line 1, for part read parts. 

78. Line 22, for &feet read east foot. 
89. Line 13, for any read many. 
89. Line 36, for wired read wider. 

93. Line 26, for Weir's read Weyer's. 

94. Line 25, for Weir's read Weyer's. 



37i 









J\Mhl\s llVlll 1 Hs>H!U\ 

\ 



/^ KV KKANK A (;UAY ^^^v. 

Department of Agriculture 




COMMONWEALTH OF VIKGINIA, 

Department of Agriculture, 

Richmond, 1885. 
His Excellency Wm. E. Cameron, , 

Governor of Virginia: 
Sir: 

I have the honor to present to you, and through you to the General Assem- 
bly, a Hand-Book of Virginia, fourth edition, with maps. 
Very respectfully and 

Obediently yours, 

RANDOLPH HARRISON, 

Corner of Agriculture. 



I nsr ID E x:. 



PAGE 

Accomac county 13 

Albemarle county 66 

Alexandria county 38 

AUegliany county 129 

Amelia county 38 

Amherst county 69 

AppalacMa 123 

Appalachia by counties 129 

Appomattox county 40 

As a Health Resort (Piedmont) 63 

Augusta county 92 

Bath county „ 130 

Bedford county 70 

Bland county 131 

Blue Ridge by counties .. 119 

Bine Ridge Division 117 

Botetourt county 95 

Branches Taught in Public Schools 175 

Brunswick county 40 

Buchanan county 133 

Buckingham county 41 

Campbell county 43 

Caroline county 14 

Carroll county 121 

Charles City county , 15 

Charlotte county 45 

Chesterfield county..... 46 

Cities and Towns (Valley) 85 

Clarke county 97 

County School Boards.. 176 

Craig county 133 

Culpeper county 71 

Cumberland county 46 

Dickenson county 134 

Dinwiddle county 47 

Eastern Shore peninsula 13 

Elizabeth City county 15 

Essex county 16 

Fairfax county 47 

Fauquier county 72 

First Public Schools 176 

Floyd county 120 

Fluvanna county 48 

Forest Growth (Middle Va.) 34 

Franklin county 73 

Frederick county 98 

Fruits (Tidewater) 6 

Giles county 135 

Gloucester county 16 

Goochland county 49 

Grass Culture (Piedmont) 63 

Grass (Tidewater) 5 

Grayson county 112 

Greene county 78 

Green Sand Marl (Tidewater) 9 

Greensville county. 51 

Halifax county 52 

Hanover county 17 

Health (Tidewater) 11 

Healthfulness (Middle Va.) 36 



PAGE 

Henrico county 17 

Henry county 74 

Highland county 136 

History of the Public Free Schools 165 

Immigration (Piedmont) 63 

Isle of Wight county 19 

James Citv county 20 

KingGeorge county 21 

King and Queen county ^. 20 

King William county 21 

Lancaster county 22 

Lee county 136 

Loudoun county , 75 

Louisa county 52 

Lunenburg county 54 

Madison county 76 

Marl (Tidewater) a 

Mathews county 22 

Mecklenburg county 54 

Middlesex county 23 

Middle Virginia 32 

Middle Virginia by counties 37 

Minerals (Middle Va) 34 

Minerals (Valley) 84 

Montgomery county 100 

Naosemond county..... v23 

Navigable Waters (Tidewater) 6 

Nelson county 78 

New Kent county 24 

Norfolk county 24 

Northampton county 14 

Northumberland county 26 

Nottoway county 55 

Orange county 80 

Page county 101 

Patrick county 81 

Piedmont by counties 65 

Piedmont division 61 

Pittsylvania county §6 

Powhatan county 57 

Preface 1 

Prince Edward county 57 

Prince George county 27 

Princess Anne county 26 

Prince William county 58 

Pulaski county 102 

Railroads (Middle Virgmia) 35 

Railroads (Piedmont) 62 

Railroads (Tidewater) 11 

Rappahannock county 81 

Religious statistics of Richmond city 19 

Richmond county 28 

Roanoke county 104 

Rockbridge county .., 105 

Rockingham county 108 

■ Russell county 137 

j School taxes.. 176 

Schoolteachers 175 

I School trustees 175 

i Scott county 138 



VI 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Sheep and Horses (Tidewater) 5 

Shenandoah county 109 

Shenandoah Valley 83 

Smyth county lU 

Soils and Crops (Tidewater) 4 

Soils (Valley) 84 

Southampton county 28 

Spotsylvania county 58 

Stafford county 60 

Surry county 29 

Sussex county 29 

Synopsis 3 

Tables— County and City Superintendents of 

Schools 168 

Farm Areas and Farm Values 149 

General Statistics of Agriculture... 145 

Livestock 142 

Live Stock ana its Productions 160 

Numberof Farms 148 

Number of Schools &c 178 

Principal Vegetable Productions.. . . 154 



PAGE 

Tables— Progi-ess of the Public Free Schools 177 
Summary of the Principal Vegeta- 
ble Productions.... ». 153 

Tazewell county 139 

Text Books used in the Public Schools...... 175 

Tidewater Virginia by Counties 12 

Tidewater Division 4 

Timber (Tidewater) 6 

Tobacco Culture (Piedmont) 63 

Transportation Facilities (Valley) 84 

Valley by counties 91 

Valley counties south of Augusta 85 

Warren county 112 

Warwick county 30 

Washington county 112 

Water (Middle Va) 36 

Westmoreland county 30 

Wise county 140 

Wythe county 114 

York county 31 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 17 



HAXOVER 



■was formed in 1720 from New Kent; population, 18,000; tliere are 2i)2,887 acres 
of land, assessed at $1,779,039. 

It lies between the Pamunkey and Cliickahorainy rivers ; the northeast line is 
formed by the North Anna and Pamunkey, the latter stream being formed near 
the centre of that line by the junction of the South Anna with the North Anna, 
The central parts are well-drained by tributaries of these main streams. 

The surface in the eastern part is mostly level, and the soil a ligiit sandy loam, 
well-suited to trucking. The sweet potato here attains its greatest perfection, 
and the melons of Hanover are unsurpassed. In the central and western portions 
tlie surface is more rolling, and the lands suited to the culture of tobacco, the ce- 
reals and grasses. 

On the Pamunkey are some fine wheat lands. 

There are many fine estates, and the farmers are intelligent, judicious and in- 
dustrious. The farm products aggregate a great bulk and value, and bring into 
the county large sums of money. 

Marls of several sorts, both miocetie and eocene, with green sand of tlie richest 
quality, are found here, and have been very profitably used on the lands. 

Recent discoveries of deposits of phosphate of lime have been made on the Pa- 
munkey river. 

Mica, feldspar, asbestos and gneiss are found here. 

This is a fine county for immigrants with small capital and industrious habits. 
The trucking business can be made very profitable here by persons familiar with 
gardening. 

HANOVER COUNTY MINERALS AT NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Gneiss, with gametts. 

2. OrtJioclase feldspar crystals, from mica mine near Noel Station, C. & O. Ry. 
The following from Virginia Department of Agriculture : 

3. Marl—Dv. Christian, St. Peter's Church. . 

4. Asbestos— Ivovii Rockville : Leake. 

5. Shale — Little River. 

6. Lignite — Jura-Trias. 

7. Marl—OM Church : G. L. Ernest. 

8. Green sand marl — Hickory Hill : Gen. Wms. C. Wiekham. 

9. Green sand /narZ— Hickory Hill : Gen. Wms. C. Wiekham. 

10. Coprolites — Bassett farm, Pamunkey river. Contains 23.47 per cent, phos- 
phoric acid. 

11. Bones, 8fc. — Bassett farm. Contains 24.39 per cent, phosphoric acid. Ana- 
lyzed by Dr. W. J. Gascoyne. 

12. Olive earth — Bassett farm. Contains by analysis of Dr. Gascoyne 2.64 per 
cent, phosphojfic acid. 

13. Green sand. 

HENRICO 

was one of the original shires into which Virginia' was divided in 1634. Its length 
is 27 miles ; mean breadth, about 8 miles. The surface is undulating ; soil oa 
the rivers very productive. It is drained on the south line by James river, and on 
2 



18 HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 

the north by the Chickahominy and by their tributaries. It produces largely of 
corn, wheat, oats, trucks, and some tobacco. The population, including Rich- 
mond, is 83.575. Number of acres of land, 163.949, assessed at $2,682,129. 

Having the large city of Richmond, with a population of 70,000, near the centre 
of its south border, and four railroads passing through this county, the products 
of the farm have quick, ready sale and small cost of carriage. Its productions are 
large and varied, and the profits of farming as good as in any part of the country. 
Green sand marl has been found in the lower or eastern part of the county, and 
used on the land with excellent results ; also white marl, rich in lime, abounds in 
the lower end, and has been very profitably used. Grass succeeds well. There 
are several large nurseries and many large orchards and vineyards in the county ; 
and dairy farming is extensively carried on. 

The planting of vineyards is going on rapidly, as experience has shown that 
this county is admirably adapted to grape-growing. The "Norton," the best of 
American wine grapes, except the " Cynthiana," which is of the same family, 
originated just outside of Richmond, and almost all the native grapes do well 
here. A few years will probably see Richmond the centre of a great wine-making 
district. 

The Richmond and Alleghany railroad run^ along the southern border of this 
county, and the Chesapeake and Ohio, the Ri-hmond and Fredericksburg, and 
Richmond, York River and Chesapeake railroads pass through the county. 

Granite in great abundance, potter's clay and coal, exist in Henrico. " Natu- 
ral" coke of excellent quality is largely mined in the upper part of the county. 
Iron pyrites have recently been discovered in this county three miles below 
Richmond. 

Richmond, the'capital and the largest city in the State, is situated in this county, 
on the north '.bank of James river, at the head of tidewater. It has extensive 
wharves and docks, with a depth of 18 feet of water over the bar, to be increased 
24 feet. The tonnage of the port of Riclimond amounted to the following in 1881 : 
Steamers, 490,000 tons; sailing vessels, 205,000 tons. This does not include river 
steamers, tug-boats, or small sailing vessels. The water-power is afforded by a 
fall of 84 feet. At the lowest flow of the river this fall produces 9,500 horse- 
power. The whole of this power now in use is 4 200. From Bosher's Dam, nine 
miles above the city to tidewater is a fall of 116 feet, which, with the above flow, 
would produce 13,500 theoretical horse-power or 10,000 actual. For steam power 
the capacity is unlimited, as this city has access to the finest and cheapest steam 
coals. The real estate within the city amounts to $30,066,782. Personal property, 
$38,066,782. 

MANUFACTURES. 

Number of establishments 711 

Persons employed 15,676 

Capital employed $10,594,121 

Annual sales $24,697,507 



HAND-BOOK OF VIKGINIA. 



19 



Religious Statistics of Richmond. 



DENOMINATIONS. 



Baptist— white 

Baptist— colored 

Catholic 

Chrlstadelphian 

Disciples ..... 

Friends. 

German Evangelical 

Jewish 

Lutheran 

Methodist — white 

Methodist— colored 

Presbyterian 

Protestant Episcopal— white . . . 
Protestant Episcopal— colored. 

Totals 



No. of 


Member- 


Churches 


ship. 


9 


4,698 


11 


11,744 


3 


5,T00 


1 


45 


2 


780 


1 


75 


1 


300 


3 


250 


2 


410 


8 


3,094 


3 


416 


5 


1,553 


9 


2,475 


1 


65 


59 


31,555 



Contribu- 
tions. 



$ 41,291 40 
24,374 11 
2,355 98 



6,435 73 



2,500 00 
6,200 00 
4,635 00 
35,730 02 
2,057 14 
28,943 38 
61,448 .52 
570 59 



$217,978 08 



Sunday Schools. 



OlHcers 

and 
Teachers 



431 

234 

61 



40 
10 
22 
324 
34 
162 
255 
12 



Scholars. 



3,573 

2,768 
705 



300 

150 

221 

2,340 

283 

1,039 

1,789 

120 



13,691 



HENKICO COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW OKLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Granite, from Richmond Granite Company's quarry at Korah Station, R. and 

A. R. R. 

2. Granite, two finished monuments each 10 feet high, from same company as 

above. 

3. Granite, two varieties of Belgian blocks for paving, from same. 

4. Granite, Belgian paving blocks, two varieties, from J. B. Mitchell & Co., 
Mitchell Station. 

5. Granite, two cubes of building stone, dressed, polished, &c., from same as 
above. 

6. Lignite, from " Dutch Gap " on James river, from Prof. Fontaine. 

From Virginia Department Agriculture : 6. Green Sand Marl, from John W. 
Wariner. 7. Marl, J. W. Wariner. 8. Fire Clay, Dill's farm. 9. Quartz. 10. 
Clay, Westham, on R. and A. R. H. 

ISLE OF WIGHT 

was one of the original shires into which Virginia was divided in 1634. It is 35 
miles long, with a mean width of about ten miles. 

Population, 10,572. It has 187,065 acres of land, assessed at $1,218,000. 

The surface is mostly level, and the soil a light sandy loam. Ihe productions 
are corn, wheat, oats, cotton, peanuts, and fruits. 



20 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

The land is easily tilled, and produces good crops. Trucking is carried on very 
successfully. 

This county has the James river for its north border, and is penetrated on the 
south by Blackwater and its tributaries. The Norfolk and Western railroad tra- 
verses the centre and the Seaboard and Roanoke railroad passes through the south- 
ern part. These roads, together with the navigation on the James and on Pagan 
creek, place all parts of the county within easy and quick communication with 
the markets of the whole country. 

This county has valuable and extensive deposits of marl, rich in carbonate of 
lime. This and lime are largely used in peanut culture. Vegetables, fruits, and 
melons are shipped from this county to the Northern cities in large quantities. 
The supplies of fish and oysters are very large and valuable. Timber of all the 
varieties native to this section is abundant. The health of this county is as good 
as any portion of tidewater. 

JAMES CITY 

was one of the original shires. Its length is 26 miles, and its mean breadth eight 
miles. Population, 5,422 ; area, 91.520 acres; valued at $370,000. 

It lies in the peninsula formed by the York, the James, and the Chickahominy 
rivers. The surface is level, or gently undulating. The soil on the rivers is rich 
and productive ; the ridge lands are generally light, but easily improved. 

Fish and oysters abound, and are important sources of food. Land sells for $lo 
to $25 for improved ; $1 to $10 for unimproved, per acre. 

Marl is abundant, and was formerly used with fine eflect on the soil. The an- 
cient and renowned town of Williamsburg, the seat of William and Mary College, 
which has sent out many distinguished men from its halls, is in this county. 

Corn, wheat, oats and peanuts are the principal crops. The lands are easily 
cultivated, and produce well for the labor bestowed. Fruits and all vegetables do 
well. 

Many of the farmers are embarking in the trucking business, for which it would 
appear they have admirable facilities. 

In addition to navigable waters, the means of quick access to the markets of the 
world have been greatly increased by the extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
railroad through the centre of this county to its deep water terminus at Newport 
News. 

JAMES CITY COUNTY MINEBAIiS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Marl, phosphatic green sand from the "Grove," or Carter's Grove, P. W. 
Hinton. 

2. Phosphatic green saud marl, ground, for basis of "Carter's Grove Fertil- 
izer," from Carter's Grove plantation on James Eiver, from Hon. E. G. Booth. 

3. Glass Sand, irova the ''Trenches," 1^ miles from Williamsburg; probably 
the same from which glass was made by the early settlers, as mentioned by Capt. 
John Smith. 

4. Fossil Teeth, from Jones' mill, one mile west of Williamsburg. 

KING AND QUEEN 

was formed from New Kent in 1691. It lies between the Mattaponi and Pianka- 
tank rivers, which, with their numerous tributaries, drain this county and make 
it one of the best watered in the State, It is about 30 miles long by 10 wide, and 



HAND-BOOK OP VIRGINIA. 21 

contains 189,830 acres. The river lands, which constitute a large part of the area, 
are very productive, and the inexhaustible beds of marl found here afford the 
means of permanent improvement. The staple crops are wheat, corn, oats, hay, 
fruits, and vegetables. 

This county is well situated for "trucking," the lines of steamers plying to 
West Point, just across the river from King & Queen, and in the Mattaponi, giv- 
ing an outlet to the Northern markets, while by rail there is a close connection 
with Richmond. Fish, oysters, wildfowl, and other accessories to good living are 
abundant ; and the people are conspicuous, even in Virginia, where this is the 
general characteristic, as industrious, moral, law-abiding citizens. 

KING GEORGE 

was formed in 1720 from Richmond county. Population, 6,532; area, 112,737 
acrcF, assessed at $812,795. 

It lies between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, which form the north 
and south boundaries respectively, and furnish extensive navigable waters for the 
entire county ; the width between the rivers being from five to ten miles, while the 
extent of river frontage is about twenty miles on each side. 

Besides the valuable transportation facilities afforded by these tidal littorals, the 
streams furnish large resources in fish, oysters and wild fowl. 

The lands on the rivers are very good, and produce valuable crops of wheat, 
corn, oats and vegetables, and are generally light and easily cultivated. 

The means of plenteous, and even luxurious living are abundant, and render 
this a most desirable county to live in. 

There are some large and valuable estates in this county, and it was once the 
residence of many wealthy families. 

Fruits of all kinds succeed well in this section. 

Marls of various kinds are found in this county. 

KING WILLIAM 

was formed in 1701 from King & Queen county. It is about 30 miles long by 8 
miles wide. Population, 8,689; area, 166,897 acres, assessed at $1,217,260, or about 
seven dollars per acre. It lies between the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers, which 
unite at its southeast corner and form the York. These are navigable for a con- 
.siderable distance above their junction, and York river is navigable for the largest 
ships to West Point. West Point is the terminus of the Richmond, York River 
and Chesapeake railroad, and is a shipping point of much importance, with regu- 
lar lines of steamers to New York and Baltimore. These streams give the county 
large tidal fronts, and afford valuable food products of fish, oysters and wild fowl, 
beside affording cheap transportation facilities convenient to all points in the county. 

The surface of this county Is level or slightly undulating, and the soil is 
mostly of a. light sandy texture, easily and cheaply cultivated. The productions 
are corn, wheat, oats, vegetables, and fruits. "Trucking," or raising vegetables 
for market, is carried on to a considerable extent. 

There is abundance of good marl, which has been used with much benefit to the 
soil. The green sand marl of King William is similar to that of New Jersey which 
has been found so valuable as to bear carriage considerable distances from the 
beds. The timber consists of pine, oak, chestnut, beach, poplar, and ash. 

All these advantages render this county a very inviting field for new settlers, 
who are always heartily welcomed. 



22 - . HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



LANCASTEK 

was formed in 1651. It lies on the north bank of the Rappahannock river, where 
it debouches into Chesapeake Bay. Northumberland and Richmond counties 
bound it on the north. Area of the county, 78,000 acres, assessed at $632,300, or 
about eight dollars per acre. Population, 6,145 

The surface is mostly level, with some rolling lands. The soil is a sandy and 
clay loam, producing good crops of corn, wheat, oats, vegetables and fruits. 

It is drained by numerous creeks running from the interior of the county, trib- 
utaries of the Rappahannock river and of Chesapeake Bay. There are two steam- 
ers plying between Baltimore and Fredericksburg, which touch at various landings 
in this county four times a week ; and one steamer between Baltimore and Pian- 
katank, touching at a wharf on Dymor's creek. 

Ship and other timber, and a large quantity of cord-wood, is shipped from this 
county ; and immense quantities of oysters are shipped annually. 

A large area, consisting of apples, peaches, pears, apricots, plums, &c., of this 
county is in orchards. Corn is the chief farm crop, but some of the lands produce 
large crops of wheat. With cheap and quick transportation to the cities north, 
this county is enabled to throw her early products on the market at the most pro- 
pitious time. 

The health of the county is good. Consumption is rarely heard of. 



MATHEWS 

was created in 1790 from Gloucester. It is 20 miles long, and at its widest section 
about 9 miles across— a peninsula, extending into Chesapeake bay, united to the 
main land by a narrow neck of land scarcely a mile wide — so that its boundaries 
are almost entirely of water. 

It contains 53,802 acres, assessed at $640,761. Population, 7,507. 

The surface of Matthews is almost a dead level — the soil light, easily worked, 
and fertile. Corn, wheat, oats, grass (a correspondent says about 200 acres of 
grass produce from 1 to 2 tons per acre), fruits, and vegetables are largely pro- 
duced ; and there is convenient and cheap transportation to Baltimore by steamers 
touching at the wharves. Mathews is famous for oysters and fish, which are a 
source of large revenue. 

Owing to its almost insular position, Mathews is swept by salt breezes, and is 
said to be very healthy — a most desirable location for settlers. It may be re- 
marked that Mathews is among the most thickly settled counties in the State (not 
reckoning cities), and the average assessment of lands is higher than in most of 
the counties of Tidewater. Only Elizabeth City, Norfolk, Alexandria, and Ac- 
comac surpass it. > 

MATHEWS COUNTY MINERALS AT N. O. EXPOSITION, FROM COL, RICHARD LAMB 

1. Grayish marl, from Taliaferro farm, on Warehouse Creek. 

2. Compact crystalline marl, from same locality as above. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 23 



MIDDLESEX 

was formed from Lancaster in 1675. It comprises a strip of land about 30 miles 
in length, with an average width of five miles, lying between the Eappahaanock 
and Pianliatank rivers. Contains 83,077 acres of land, assessed at $599,372. 

The whole county is underlaid with beds of miocene marl, which has been ex- 
tensively used with great benefit to the soil. Some of this marl is a nearly pure 
carbonate of lime, analyzing 95 per cent. 

On the rivers the elevation of the land is from ten to thirty feet above tidewater 
— a mile or two back it rises to a hundred feet or more. The soil, varying in tex- 
ture from sandy loam to the stiffest clay, is well-drained, easily tilled, productive, 
and very improvable ; being very convenient to market (there are lines of fine 
steamers on both rivers bordering the county — time to Baltimore eight hours, and 
freight low), Middlesex oflfers great inducements to truckers, fruit-growers, and 
farmers. 

Fish and oysters abound. There are several oyster and fish canneries and seve- 
ral fish factories in the county. 

Timber is abundant, cheap, and of excellent quality, and there are many steam 
and water-mills in the county. In colonial times there were potteries here, there 
being beds of fine potter's clay. 

Society is good, and the people will welcome immigrants. Lands are yet low- 
priced, but rising in value. 

MIDDLESEX MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Blue marl — from Hon. Eobt. Healy's, Va. Dept. Agriculture. 

2. Shells, pebbles, Sfc. — from Dr. J. Mason Evans, Va. Dept. Agriculture. 

NANSEMOND 

lies on the western side of Norfolk, and, like that county, extends from the North 
Carolina line to Hampton Roads, being, in round numbers, 30 miles long by 19 
wide. It is watered by JSTansemond river and other streams running into the 
James, and by tributaries of the Blackwater. Number of acres of land 256,242, 
assessed at $1,514,767. Population, 15,963. 

The surface of Nansemond is nearly level — the soil a friable, sandy loam, a de- 
scription of land now considered the best for general purposes, the most profitable 
to work on account of economy of cultivation and adaptability to a great variety 
of crops. Marl is abundant in the county, and is much used. 

Peanuts and cotton, corn, oats, and vegetables of all sorts (truck) are the prin- 
cipal products of this thriving county. A large portion of the land is devoted to 
"trucking," easy access to market being furnished by the Nansemond river and 
the steamers plying thereon, and by railroads to Norfolk and Portsmouth (the 
Norfolk and Western, and the Seaboard and Roanoke). 

The potatoes of Nansemond have long been celebrated, and other vegetables 
grow in equal perfection and ripen early, especially melons, peas, and tomatoes. 

Fish and oysters abound. There is yet much fine timber in this county, mostly 
pine, cypress, and juniper. 

This is one of the most prosperous counties in Virginia, the people being indus- 
trious and ready to avail themselves of the many natural advantages with which 
JNansemond is blessed. 



24 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

Suffolk, the county seat, is a busy and thriving town, the centre of a large local 
trade. It is connected with Norfolk and Portsmouth by railroad?, as above men- 
tioned, and by river navigatior^fcand is the terminus of the Suffolk and Carolina 
railroad. 

Suffolk has recently been visited with a heavy calamity — a fire which consumed 
much of the business part of the town — but it is believed that the energy of this 
thrifty people will soon rebuild their town and revive its prosperity. , 

NEW KENT 

was formed in 16.o4 from York. It is 26 miles long and seven to nine miles broad, 
and contains 130,209 acres of land, assessed at S378,791. Population, 5,514. 

This county, lying between the Pamunkey, York and Chickahominy rivers, has 
extensive and fertile bottom lands, with navigable streams on two sides. Two 
railways furnish added facilities for access to market. The Richmond and York 
River railroad on the north, and the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad in the south- 
ern part, are of convenient access to all parts of its territory, and bring it into 
close connection with all the trade-centres of the country. 

The soil is light and sandy in the interior, and varies from sandy to stiff clay on 
the river bottoms. 

The productions are corn, wheat, oats, and early vegetables and potatoes ; for 
which latter the soil is well-suited. 

Marl is abundant and of excellent quality. That near St. Peter's church con- 
tains about 90 per cent, carbonate of lime, and has been successfully used on the 
lands and even for mortar in laying bricks. 

The timber consists of oak, hickory, maple, dogwood, pine, and other valuable 
trees. Much cord-wood and ship-timber is annually marketed from this county. 

The people are intelligent and cultivated, and are noted for their hospitality and 
sociability. Lands can be cheaply bought, the price varying from $2 to $20 per 
acre. It is a healthy county, with the exception of mild types of intermittent fe- 
vers easily controlled. 

NEW KENT MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Phosphate Bock—h-om R. H. Lacy. Contains 23.20 per cent, phosphoric acid 
— ^Va, Agricultural Department. 

2. Iron Ore — from Va. Agricultural Department. 

3. Green Sand Marl— from J. P. Pearsons, Tunstall's— from Va. Dept. Agricul- 
ture. 

4. Shell Marl— from Tunstall's— Va. Dept. Agriculture. 

5. Shell Marl— from near St. Peter's Church— Va. Dept. Agriculture. 

NORFOLK 

was formed in 1691 from Lower Norfolk. It is twenty-four miles long with a^ 
mean breadth of nineteen, and stretches from the North Carolina line to Hampton 
Roads in the north, with Elizabeth river and its branches penetrating every part. 
In the southwestern corner, partly in this county and partly in Nansemond, is the 
celebrated "Dismal Swamp," which, lying higher than the surrounding country, 
furnishes an abundant supply of the purest water, which can be carried to the- 
cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth. 



Hx\ND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 25 

^ The population of Norfolk county, including Norfolk city and Portsmouth, is 
58,942. Number of acres of land, 227,926; assessed at $15.62 per acre. 

The surface of the counts'^ is level, the soil a sandy loam with clay sub-soil. Na- 
ture seems to have designed it for a great garden, and it is rapidly being utilized 
in that way. Gardens and trucking farms are spreading in every direction around 
Norfolk and Portsmouth — soil, climate, market facilities, all concurring to give an 
unexampled impetus to the trucking business. Other crops can be raised — corn, 
oats, peanuts and other field crops — but market gardening is found so much more 
profitable that all energies are being applied in this direction. Communication 
with all the great cities north of Virginia is now rapid and easy, and freights are 
cheap. The recent opening of the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk railroad, 
shortening the time to the great markets by five hours, has given a great impetus 
to market gardening. Early vegetables and strawberries of the finest quality are 
shipped in immense quantities and bring a large amount of money into this county 
and those adjacent. Perishable fruits and vegetables can be gathered in the even- 
ing and placed in the New York market by sunrise next morning. 

Lands are rapidly rising in value, and already very high in the vicinity of the 
cities. 

Norfolk is celebrated for the excellence and quantity of the oysters and fish 
brought to its market, and for the abundance of game. 

Norfolk and its twin sister, Portsmouth, are rapidly growing in importance. 
Lines of steamers to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New' York and Boston, besides those 
running inland toEichmond, Smithfield, Newport News, and those across the bay 
to Cherrystone and Cape Charles City, and by the canal to Currituck, throng the 
fine harbor. The foreigh trade of Norfolk, too, is considerable, and increasing, 
as Norfolk has become a great cotton port. 

The Norfolk and Western railroad, the Seaboard and Roanoke, and the Norfolk 
and Carolina railroads terminate here, and the railroads to the popular sea-bathing 
places at Ucean View and Virginia Beach have made these places easily accessible 
and draws great numbers of people to Norfolk. 

A great naval station and dry-dock of the United States is located here, and 
the largest ships can be accommodated in this fine harbor and dock. 

The enterprise and public spirit of the people has kept pace with the develop- 
ment of their resources and of their commerce. Fine shell roads, radiating in 
sundry directions from Norfolk, have superseded the dirt roads that were used a 
few years ago. 

No part of the country offers a more inviting field to enterprising and indus- 
trious settlers than does Norfolk county. 

NORFOLK COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

Collected by Richard Lamb, C, ^ S. E., Norfolk^ Va. 

m 

1. Feat, from the Dismal Swamp. 

2. Swamp Soil, from the Dismal Swamp. 

3. Swamp Soil, from same ; land produces 50 to 60 busliels corn per acre. 

4. Sandstone, found 18 feet from surface in excavating for sewers. 

5. Clay and Brick Sand Tiles, made from same, from George Oldfield's brick- 
yard, near Norfolk. 

6. Giant Oyster Shell, half of oaf, weighing 6 pounds, from eastern branch of 
Elizabeth river. 



26 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

7. Fossil Crab, found 60 feet below the surface in excavating for dry-dock at U, 
S. Navy-yard, at Gosport. 

8. Singing Sand, from deposit near Ocean View. 

9. Fossil Fine Wood, nearly decomposed, found 10 feet below the surface in 
JSTorfolk city. 

10. Lime burned from oyster shells. 

NORTHUMBERLAND 

is one of the five counties constituting the "Northern Neck," which lies between 
the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and Chesapeake bay. Northumberland 
county was formed in 1648. It is 25 miles long and about 7 to 8 miles wide, and 
contains 117,930 acres, valued at $809,199. Population, 7,925. The surface is 
mostly level. The soil on the streams is a sandy loam, with clay subsoil, and is 
very well adapted to wheat. The ridge lands have a light soil, and are generally 
thin, but easily improved. The farm crops are corn, wheat, oats and trucks, or 
green vegetables for citj'^ consumption.. Almost every part of the county is acces- 
sible to water transportation by the creeks and estuaries from the bay and Poto- 
mac, and the projected railroad from Richmond, the "Richmond and Chesa- 
peake," is to have its terminus in this county, near the estuary of the Potomac, 
and the cities of Alexandria, Georgetown and Washington are largely supplied 
from this county with melons, fresh vegetables, oysters, fish, wild fowl and poul- 
try. There are valuable fisheries in this county. "Fish chum," or the refuse 
from fish-oil factories, is largely used as a fertilizer here, as well as in many other 
counties of this section, especially on wheat, with marked benefit. A recent cor- 
respondent says there are at least 700 hands engaged in the fish business. Fish 
chum is shipped to Charleston, and other places, for making fertilizers. There 
are also several fertilizer manufactories in the county (which incorporate the 
phosphate rock with fish chum) with expensive steam machinery. There is marl 
in this county. Eight hundred to one thousand barrels of eggs and large quan- 
tities of turkeys are annually sent to market. Farmers are generally out of debt. 
The county levy is very low. There are only two bar-rooms in the county. This 
is a fine part of Virginia, and oifers pleasant homes and good inducements to im- 
migrants. 

■' PRINCESS ANNE 

was formed in 1691 from Norfolk county, and lies on the Atlantic ocean and 
Chesapeake Bay, extending south to the North Carolina line. Population, 9,422 ; 
area, 162,977 acres, assessed at $1,185,397. 

The surface is level. The soil a sandy loam, resting on a yellow clay subsoil, 
is easily tilled and is generally productive. The best lands are in Holland Swamp, 
Eastern Shore Swamp, and on Back bay. 

The productions are corn, oats, potatoes, trucks and fruits. A large part of 
the county is devoted to truck farming, and great quantities of vegetables and 
fruits are annually shipped to the Northern markets. The shipments of fish, 
oysters and wild fowl from this county produce a very large revenue to the citizens 
of the county. The fisheries on Cape Henry beach, Lynnhaven bay and river 
are very valuable. Lynnhaven bay oysters are renowned for their fine size 
and flavor. 



' HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 27 

The timber consists of oak, pine, gum, cedar, cypress, elm, holly and persimmon. 
The " Seaboard district," comprising the northeast angle of the county, is per- 
haps the best timbered region of lower Virginia. 

• The transportation facilities are ample and convenient to all parts. The ocean 
front Is about twenty-three miles in extent ; Back bay and North river are both 
navigable, and comprise a great extent of water fronts in the southern part, while 
the northern portions have the Eastern Branch of Elizabeth river, Lynnhaven 
river and the bay shore. Besides these facilities for market by water, there is the 
Virginia Beach railroad from Norfolk, passing across the county t> a beautiful 
and most attractive watering place called " Virginia Beach," on the Atlantic 
«hore. 

With good lands, easily tilled, abundant supplies from the water, cheap and 
convenient access to market, and a climate botli pleasant and salubrious, it would 
seem that here is a place where all should be happy and contented. 

PRINCE GEORGE 

was formed in 1702 from Charles City. Population, 8,861 ; area, 179,206 acres, 
valued at $1,098,501. 

The surface is mostly level, and the soil on the rivers is very fine. Its north and 
northwest boundaries are formed by the James and Appomattox rivers, which give 
over forty miles of deep-water frontage to this county. The lands on these rivers 
are noted for fertility. Many broad and fertile bottoms are found on the numer- 
ous tributaries of these two rivers, on Blackwater river, and on the tributaries o^ 
Nottoway river in the central and southern portions of Prince George. 

The productions are wheat, corn, oats, peanuts, cotton and tobacco. The light 
warm lands of the southern portions of the county are well-adapted to the peanat 
and cotton. 

Marl of various sorts is abundant, and has been extensively used, with good re- 
sults. Near Coggiu's Point, and at other places, is found the valuable green sand 
marl; and this is the locality where the late Edmund EuiBn conducted many of 
his experiments in the use of marl and demonstrated its value. 

The facilities for reaching market are convenient to all parts of this county, and 
are furnished by the navigable rivers alluded to above, and by the Norfolk and 
Western railroad, passing through the central portion, with a branch road from 
the city of Petersburg, near its western boundary, to City Point, at the confluence 
of the Appomattox and James, This is a shipping point of some consequence, 
with a sufficient depth of water at its wharves for the largest class of vessels, and 
was used as a base of supplies for the United States troops during the siege of Pe- 
tersburg. 

Much fine timber and cord-wood are shipped from this county to the North. 

The lands of Prince George are well-adapted to fruit culture, especially the 
grape, and encouraging progress is being made in this direction. A valued cor- 
respondent, living in the vicinity of the Courthouse, says: '-I know of about 9 
(nine) acres in vineyards between here and Petersburg. One party commenced 
about seven years ago, and has extended his vineyard to eight acres, and is making 
a great deal of money— has refused $8,000 for his place that he gave $1,500 for, and 
the vineyard has been the cause of it." 



28 HAND-BOWK OF VIRGINIA. \ 



RICHMOND 

was formed, in 1692 from old Rappahannock. Is 30 miles long and about 7 miles 
wide. It lies on the north bank of Rappahannock river, which is navigable here 
for large vessels, and is watered by Rappahannock river, Moratico creek, Farnham 
creek, Totrisky creek, Rappahannock creek, Menokin creek, and others ; watei- 
power good and ample. The low grounds are very fertile, producing fine crops 
of corn, wheat, oats and vegetables. The upper or forest lands are rolling, and 
the soil is a light sandy loam with red clay subsoil, susceptible of a high state of 
improvement, and is worth, at present prices, from $5 to $20 per acre. The river 
along its front abounds in fine fish and oysters, the shad and herring fisheries be- 
ing very productive and profitable. 

Warsaw, the courthouse, is situated about the centre of the county, six miles 
from the river, and contains a population of about 300. 

Population, 7,199 ; number of acres of land, 115,887, assessed at $625,268. 

There are 38,843 acres in timber of oak, hickory, chestnut, pine, cedar, walnut, 
poplar, dogwood and maple. 

Acreage in wheat, 4.266; oats, 500 ; buckwheat, 7*5 ; potatoes, 200 ; elover, 2,133 ; 
orchard grass, 200 ; in orchard, 1,277 — in apples, peaches, pears, plums, apricots 
and cherries. 

This is reported to be a good grazing country. Sheep especially are found 
very profitable. 

There are vast quantities of marl in this county, both blue and white marl, which 
has been used with good efi"ect. 

The winters are mild, cultivation of soil easy and cheap, living abundant and 
easily obtained, access to market very convenient, and altogether a very pleasant 
and desirable country to live in. 

Three samples of blue marl in this county average 16.40 per cent, of carbonate 
of lime with some green santl. 

SOUTHAMPTON. 

was formed in 1874, from Isle of Wight. The surface is level, and the soil pro- 
ductive. It is watered by Meherrin, Nottoway, and Blackwater rivers, which 
furnish a good supply of fish. 

Population, 18,074. Number of acres of land, 362,562, assessed at $1,520,416. 

The principal productions are corn, cotton, peanuts, trucks and potatoes. Soil, 
a light sandy loam, with red clay subsoil. Marl exists in the county, and has 
been used successfully, though not extensively. The Seaboard and Roanoke 
railroad runs through the southern portion of the county, and the Norfolk and 
Western passes near its northern limits. There is much valuble timber, as 
oaks, pine, chesnut, &c. 

Southampton is amongst the most thriving counties of this prosperous section 
of Virginia. The population is intelligent and industrious, and her principal 
staples, cotton and peanuts, skillfully handled, have brought much money into 
the community. This is the banner county in the State in the production of 
cotton, between five and six thousand bales being sent to market annually. 



HAND-BOOK OS VIRGINIA. 29 



SUREY 



is one of the oldest counties in the State, bein^- just opposite Jamestown, the cra- 
dle of the colony. It has James river for its northern boundary, and the Black- 
water for a portion of its southern, Number of- acres 161,499, assessed at $741,229. 

About three-fourth of the county is in timber, chiefly pine and oak — on Black- 
water is very fine cypress timber. A large business is done in shipping lumber 
and cord wood, and much ship timber to the Northern markets. 

The whole county is underlaid with marl, much of it of very fine quality. 

Besides the usual field products — corn, wheat, oats, &c. — peanuts, cotton and 
potatoes are largely grown, especially the first ; and fruits are very extensively 
cultivated, more than 10,000 acres being in orchards — apples, pears and peaches — 
and a large surface in small fruits. 

The soil is especially adapted to all these last mentioned products, being light, 
kind, easily cultivated and improved. 

This county has rapidly improved since the war — there are evident signs of 
thrift and prosperity. A large accession has been made to the population by 
northern settlers. At Claremont, on James river, a fiourishing colony has been 
founded, and is attracting much attention. This town is the deep-water terminus 
of the Atlantic and Danville railroad, which has been constructed through Surry 
and Sussex to Hicksford in Greensville county, crossing the Norfolk and Western 
road at Waverly station, and will be extended through Greensville, Brunswick, 
Mecklenburg and Halifax to Danville. This, it is believed, will give a great im- 
petus to the settling up of this prosperous county. 

SURRY COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Yellow marl, from Blair Pegram. — Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

2. Serpula, a mass of fossils from near Surry courthouse, from Richard Lamb, 

C. & S. E. 

SUSSEX 

was formed in 1754 from Surry, the Blackwater river being the boundary between 
the two counties. By this river and its branches Sussex is watered in the north- 
eastern parts, while the Nottoway meanders through the heart of the county, 
with many tributaries joining the main stream here. 

Number of acres 295,791, assessed at $855,629. 

The soil of Sussex, like that of the adjoining counties, is light in general, and is 
very productive on the streams. The crops for which it is best suited, and which 
are most cultivated, are peanuts, cotton, corn, and oats. Marl is abundant, and 
has been used with very fine efifect. 

This county has fine railroad facilities, the "Norfolk and Western" passing 
through it in the northeast, the "Petersburg and Weldon" in the west, and the 
"Atlantic and Danville" from northeast to southwest, through its largest diame- 
ter. The construction of the last-named road has given a great impetus to the 
business of the county. 



30 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



WARWIOK, 

now almost the smallest county in the State in area, anrl the smallest in popula- 
tion, was one of the eight original shires, and was densely peopled ; there were 
in this little county six parishes. It contains 43,120 acres, assessed at $305,367". 
The surface is level, and the soil productive. The average yield of wheat is said 
to be 15 bushels, of corn 26, of oats 35 bushels — if so, it is far above the average 
of the State. The land is easily cultivated and very improvable — and there are 
large deposits of excellent marl. Fish, oysters and wild fowl, are abundant. 

The population of Warwick was in 1880, only 2,264; but since that time the 
extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio railway to Newport News in the south- 
eastern angle of this county, has made an immense difference in the status of 
Warwick, Newport News having grown to be an important shipping point — re- 
sorted to by ocean steamers. This is, perhaps, the best coaling station on the 
continent — and there is here a grain elevator with a capacity of 1,500,000 bushels 
and wharves on a grand scale, with depth of water to accommodate the largest 
ships that float." 

WARWICK COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

Case of bottles of borings from Artesian well, 630 feet deep at Newport 
News. They represent' the Quarternary and Tertiary beds of Virginia, and 
probably extend into the Jurasso Cretaceous. Loaned by C. W. Smith, general 
manager of the Chesapeake and Railroad. 

WESTMORELAND, 

is bounded by Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, and counties of King George, 
Richmond, and Northumberland. Average length 30 miles, width 10 miles. 
Area, 178,581, assessed at 8839,147. Population, 8,849, The surface is generally 
level, broken and hilly about the sources of the streams. Soil good, light loam 
resting upon red clay ; in some sections the red clay reaches the surface. It is 
well watered; pure springs abound, and very good well water is in easy reach. 
Numerous tributaries of the Potomac penetrate inland for some miles, furnishing 
good steamboat navigation. Regular lines of boats give access almost daily to 
Washington and Baltimore. These inlets abound in oysters and fish, and offer 
good sport in winter for the fowler in ducks and geese. 

A third of its surface is woodland. In many /parts are found pine, four or five 
varieties of oak, hickory, cedar, chestnut, locust, poplar, and gum. Valuable 
white oak is only found, however, in small detached parcels. Many orchards of 
fruit — peaches, apples, and plums are found. Corn, wheat, and clover are the 
staple products. Winter oats are cultivated profitably. Potatoes of both varie- 
ties grow well ; the soil is very fine for all varieties of vegetables, and trucking is 
increasing. Orchard grass and Timothy are being introduced. Their cultivation, 
and raising clover seed for market are decided successes. Good land yields from 
10 to 35 bushels of wheat; from 25 to 50 bushels of corn ; from one and a-half to 
two tons of hay. 

The prices of land range from $3 per acre up to $30. 

Good public schools, 22 ; several private schools ; churches, 20 — Baptist, 9 ^» 
Methodist, 5 ; Episcopalian, 6. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 31 

There is some migration to this county, chiefly from the States ; the population 
is homogeneous; society refined and cultivated; crimes of very rare occurrence ; 
homicides almost unknown. 

Lands are easy of cultivation ; capable of sustaining a population ten times as 
numerous as that it now has. Manners of the people, simple and unostentatious. 
Cost of living, owing to kindly soil and good climate ; facilities of shipment to 
market, and abundant supply of oysters, crabs and fish from its waters is perhaps 
as low as in any section of the Union. 

Unbounded supplies of fertilizing material lie in large measure unused on every 
farm. Marl in many locations, marsh mud, oyster-shell lime, are within easy 
reach of every industrious farmer. 

Increased attention is being paid to sheep husbandry. Flocks of sheep average 
from §2.50 up to $6 per head of annual profit. Cattle do well — oxen often weigh 
1,000 pounds at four to five years old, fed in winter upon dry fodder only, and then 
upon the natural grasses of the country. 

The head streams of the estuaries, or creeks, afford fine water-power. Saw and 
grist-mills are found all through the country. 

Men from any section coming to share our fortunes are gladly welcomed. — Cor- 
respondent, 

YORK. 

This county like its neighbor Warwick, is one of the original shires of the 
colony. It is a long, narrow county, lying along the south bank of York river and 
extending to Chesapeake Bay, and the estuary of Back river, with a large 
water front and intersected by numerous tidal creeks. This county is abundantly 
supplied with fish, oysters, and wild fowl. Deer and other game are plentiful, 
as indeed is to be said of the adjoining counties. 

The surface of this region is generally level, the soil inclined to be sandy, easy 
of cultivation, productive when well managed, and responds readily to improve- 
ment. Marl is abundant, and tells wherever applied. / 

Corn, wheat, oats, and peanuts have been the staple crops. Since the exten- 
sion of the Chesapeake and Ohio railway, which skirts the southwestern edge of 
this county, much of the land has been brought into quick and easy communica- 
tion with Newport News and the great markets of the North, and a more diversi- 
fied style of farming is now rendered possible, and will soon be found to be very 
profitable. 

YORK COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Pectens, scallop shells, bank of York river; Va. Dept. Agriculture. 

2. Marls, fossils, corals, tertiary limestone cut into millstone, from bluffs of 
York river near Yorktown. 

The following were collected by Richard Lamb, C. «& S. E. : 

3. Miocene marl, white, pulverulent, 90 per cent, lime carbonate, from near 
Yorktown, 

4. Clay and iron oxide, massive, sub-ci"ystaline, from "York Cliffs." 
0. Shells, fossil and recent, from "York Cliffs." 



32 HAND BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



MIDDLE VIRGINIA. 



The next, as we go westwai'd, is the " Middle Division," comprising tlie coun- 
try from Tidewater to ttie low range of mountains parallel to the Blue Ridge, and 
about twenty miles distant from it. This outlying range extends from Loudoun 
to Pittsylvania, with somewhat irregular intervals and direction, but with a gen- 
eral conformity to the course of the Blue Ridge. 

It may be observed here that the respective limits of the " Grand Divisions" of 
the State assigned by various authorities are not positively defined, but vary ae- 
cordino- to the point of view from whicli the subject is regarded. For instance, 
Hotchkiss, subordinating other considerations to the geological formation of the 
country, assigns to " Middle Virginia" the four counties of Stafford, Prince Wil- 
liam, Fairfax, and Alexandria. They belong for the most part to the archgean or 
primary formation, although they skirt the Potomac and are intersected to some 
extent by tidal creeks. 

For the latter reason, Maury assigns them to the Tidewater Division. Further 
South, the counties of Caroline and Hanover, which are assigned to the Tidewa- 
ter Division, are in part in the archjean formation, and vice versa the county of 
Chesterfield, which is classed with the "Middle Division," has a tidal front of 
fifty miles on James and Appomattox rivers, and a considerable border of purely 
alluvial land ; but by far the greater part of its territory is in the archsean, to 
which it is assigned. And the " low range of mountains" spoken of as making 
the line between Middle Virginia and Piedmont does not conform exactly with 
the county boundary lines, so that many of the counties have part of their terri- 
tory overlapping the adjoining division ; but they are properly assigned to the one 
in wiiich the greater part is comprehended. 

The classification of Hotchkiss will be adhered to here. 

Thus reckoned, "Middle Virginia" consists of twenty-five counties, and con- 
tains between twelve and thirteen thousand square miles, or nearly a third of 
the State. As said, this is a primary formation, resting for the most part on 
granite and gneiss, but here and there on the new red sandstone, and the soil varies 
widely. Here is the great tobacco region of Virginia — the lands of the upper and 
lower Jurassic period — a new red sandstone being especially adapted to the finer 
qualities. This formation is identical with that of Lancaster county. Pa. and the 
lower Connecticut Valley, where the cultivation of seed-leaf tobacco has enriched 
the community to an almost incredible degree. A strip of the former (the " upper 
Jurassic") extends along the line of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac 
railroad almost its entire length. Considerable sections of the lower Jurassic are 
found in Pittsylvania, Halifax, Campbell, Appomattox, Prince Edward, Cumber- 
land, Buckingham, Albemarle, Chesterfield, Henrico, Orange, Culpeper, Fau- 
quier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 33 

These older " Mesozoic" areas are aptly described by Hotchkiss in the Virginias 
as islands in the archsean region of Midland and Piedmont Virginia. Professor 
Fontaine says of them : ''They are all situated east of the Blue Kidge, and most 
of them are found in the terrane of the crystalline azoic rocks. They lie in the 
eroded and upturned azoic strata, and are formed out of the material yielded by 
them. They lie in narrow strips isolated from each other, and seem to have been 
deposited in fresh, or at most, brackish water. Some of these areas were at some 
period in their history in the form ol marshes, or had such a character as to per- 
mit the formation of an abundant vegetation and the accumulation of a consid- 
erable amount of coal. In Virginia coal is found only in those areas that lie far- 
thest east.'' 

Those in which coal is found are the Eichmond and the Cumberland areas. But 
H is of their value in an agricultural point of view that I would speak more par- 
ticularly here — of their fitness for the production of choice tobacco. Much has 
t>een said of the unprofitableness of tobacco — of the sure and rapid impoverish- 
ment of the lands in wiiich it is grown. That it has tended to produce that re- 
sult, indirectly, is undeniable — but that this result is the necessary consequence 
of tobacco-raising is certainly not true. Even in Virginia, where the system is, 
or has been, of the very worst, instances can be shown of steady improvement of 
farms on which large crops of tobacco are grown— and, in the Northern .States, 
whole communities can be pointed to as evidence that tobacco-growing does not 
necessarily exhaust the fertility of a country. There is, perhaps, no part of the 
United States more prosperous than Lancaster county, Pa. — the largest tobacco- 
;growing county of the Union. Land there sells at prices almost fabulous, when- 
ever, by any chance, it is put upon the market. 

Other instances might be cited — in Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin. These 
people are prosperous because they believe in high farming — in getting large re- 
turns from the land, both in quantity of crop and in quality. The tobacco they 
make— the "seed-leaf," for cigar-wrappers — gives a heavy yield, and is eagerly 
sought after by buyers at prices that leave a large profit. 

This digression is to the point in calling attention again to|;the important fact 
that these "islands," just described — these large " areas, "^scattered through Vir- 
ginia — are of the same character of soil with the great county of Lancaster — that 
the climate of Virginia is as good for tobacco-growing— perhaps better — and that 
the land can be bought for a tenth — nay, a twentieth — of^the price. 

Middle Virginia is an undulating country — hills, table-lands, and intervalesr— 
living springs and never-failing water courses everywhere."^ The soils vary greatly 
— the bottom lands generally very fertile, and the up-lands are often very produc- 
tive, especially when the rocks contain epidote and some,^varieties2of horn blende. 

The irregular limestone formation along the western borders of Middle and the 
eastern of Piedmqnt does not make a characteristic soil except in a few localities. 
Here and there the soils are exceedingly fertile, as in parts of Orange, Culpeper, 
and Loudoun, which counties are assigned to "Piedmont," although part of their 
territory belongs of right to the "Middle Division." 

The productions of this region are varied. Tobacco has been mentioned as the 
staple of a large part of this division of the State, but its cultivation is by no 
means universal — in many counties it is not grownjat all. Everywhere the cereals 
and fruits of temperate climates, notably the apple and ;grape, grow in perfection ; 
and while we have not yet reached the grazing sections proper, we find clover, 
timothy, orchard and other grasses growing here and there in great luxuriance ; 
and they show a natural adaptation to grass which, however, so far from having 

3 



34 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

been encouraged, has persistently been thwarted — fought against — from the first 
settlement of the country until recently. "Killing grass" has been the object 
kept steadily in view in growing tobacco and Indian corn, and with the large force 
of slaves inhabiting this region, was so effectually done that it came to be believed 
by many that the valuable forage and pasture grasses would not grow here, despite 
the fact that "blue grass " — " poa-compressa " (the true " blue grass ") — the iden- 
tical grass which is so highly valued in Fauquier and Loudoun for maliing fat pas- 
tures—is the grass which has given the planters most trouble to keep under, which 
has made such a struggle for existence that it has never been extirpated in this 
region ; but, where it has half an opportunity, will assert its rights and will take 
possession of the laud, crowding out wheat or whatever may, at the time, be in 
occupancy. 

Clover has long been successfully grown here; and the idea that timothy, or- 
chard grass, &c., would not succeed has been disproved by the logic of facts — 
there is scarely a county in this region in which there are not meadows that would 
compare favorably with the best anywhere ; few though they be, they demonstrate 
the possibility. The renovation of this healthful and most improvable region will 
be brought about by clothing a large portion of the county with meadow and 
pasture grasses. 

FOREST GROWTH. 

The " Sylva " gradually changes as we ascend from the Tidewater Division to^ 
Piedmont. The cypress disappears, the long-leaf pine ceases to grow after the 
first tier of counties is passed, and the cedar and holly, the gum and willow oak, 
become more and more infrequent. The short-leaf, or hard yellow pine, furnishes 
its valuable timber in every part of Middle Virginia, but does not take exclusive 
possession of large tracts of land as in Tidewater, except where it is found as 
"second growth " on lands which have been cultivated and then turned out to 
grow up again. There it takes the place of the geniune "loblolly" or old-field 
pine of Tidewater — the long-leaf variety — the "pinustaeda" of Botanists. In 
the forests of Middle Virginia the pine (short-leaf, yellow and two other varieties 
too rare to deserve a description) grows along with the various oaks, the tulip 
tree, hiekory, walnut, locust, maple, ash and other timber of minor importance ; 
and on the streams sycamore, beech, birch, willow and maple. At some distance 
from the mountains we again find chestnut in large quantities. In fine, the forest 
growth of this section is of singular variety, beauty and value. 

MINERALS. 

The mineral resources of this region are very great. Besides the coal of the meso- 
zoic areas of Richmond and Farmville, heretofore alluded to, this country yields 
gold, silver, copper, and iron ores in great variety and abundance, and for architec- 
tural purposes fine gray granite and gneiss brown stone. Potomac or breeciated 
marble, and the finest slate for roofing purposes ; also, mica, kaolin, asbestos 
and limestone. 

Sulphurets of iron are abundant in Louisa county and have been shipped in 
large quantities. They are rich in sulphur — one sample having analyzed 52.73 
per cent. 

Another deposit contained 43 percent, of sulphur, and 5.89 per cent, of copper. 
These are found in that remarkable formation known as the "gold belt" of 
Virginia — a strip of land from 15 to 20 miles in length, and running for two hun- 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 3:6 

dred miles through the State. The rocks of this belt are the slates, ti^ps, steatites, 
&e., of the primary, dipping at high angles, generally to the east. InSerstratified 
•with these are numerous veins of gold bearing quartz, magnetic, hematite and 
specular iron ores, and the sulphurets of copper (and of iron) referred to. 

Large amounts of gold have been taken from this belt — some of it from surface 
washings. 

The veins of iron ore are numerous, some of the magnetic ones having a thick- 
ness of four feet ; the beds of hematite ore, particularly those upon either border 
of the belt, as along James river, where it runs parallel with it, and in the "Wil- 
derness," near the Rappahannock, are very thick and extensive. The first 
successful furnaces in America, those of the colonial Governor Spotswood, were 
supplied from the latter beds. 

There are also large beds of this ore where the Chesapeake and Ohio railway 
crosses the belt. In this vicinity the valuable sulphurets of iron and copper are 
found, and there will soon be large sulphuric acid works and a manufactory of 
fertilizers here, turning out copper and iron as by-products. 

The slates of the middle country are excellent for all purposes, notably those of 
Buckingham and Amherst counties. In Buckingham they have been long and 
extensively quarried for roofing, flagging, mantles, &c. The sandstones of the 
inaposed " middle secondary" are valuable for building purposes, as are also the 
" brownstones" of the red sandstone, which are extensively quarried at Manassas. 
The infusorial earth, so abundant in Richmond, is valuable as a polishing material. 
Ochre of very fine quality is found in Chesterfield, near Bermuda Hundred, and 
is being shipped from that point. 

RAILROADS. 

This country is favored in respect of means of transportation, railroads pene- 
trating it in every direction. The great "coast line," which passes through the 
State from Washington to Weldou close to the divide between Middle Virginia 
and Tidewater, almost in the line between the archfean and the tertiary forma- 
tions — sometimes in one and sometimes in the other — belongs equally to both. 
From Washington and Alexandria ray out, the Washington, Ohio and Western, 
and the Virginia Midland, with its various branches ; from Fredericksburg, the nar- 
row guage to Orange C. H. ; from Richmond the Chesapeake and Ohio stretches 
out through Henrico, Hanover, and Louisa into Piedmont, and thence to the Ohio 
and beyond ; and the Alleghany, along the beautiful Valley of James river through 
Middle Virginia into Piedmont and Appalachia. The Richmond and Danville 
road penetrates ttiis part of Virginia for a hundred and fifty miles before passing 
into North Carolina, and sends out a branch at Keysville and another at Suther- 
lin. The Brighthope road from Bermuda Hundred taps the coal region at Clover 
Hill, twenty-odd miles away. At Petersburg, the Norfolk and Western road 
passes from Tidewater into Middle Virginia, and after a course of more than a 
hundred and twenty miles in this division, strikes out southwest through Pied- 
mont and the Valley to the Tennessee line at Bristol. The " Atlantic and Dan- 
ville" is in course of construction from the point to which it is now completed, 
Hicksford, in Greensville county, to Danville and beyond ; and the southern link of 
the Virginia Midland extends from Lynchburg to Danville with a branch from 
Elba Station into Franklin county. All these roads intersect this division of Vir- 
ginia, and there are others projected, and probably soon to be built. 



3€ HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



WATER. 



This is a marvellously well watered region — a land of living springs and peren- 
nial water-courses, rivers, creeks, and brooks. The eastern edge of the belt has 
been described as " a granite rim rising some 200 feet^above the tide waters, set- 
ting bounds to their further flow inward, furnishing fine water-power by the fall- 
ing of the rivers over it, and sites for commercial and manufacturing towns. In 
every part of the "Middle Country" there is abundance of water — it would be 
hard to find a field in which there are not springs or brooks — and sites for mills 
are nowhere far to seek. 

Most valuable mineral waters are found in this region. The lithia springs of 
"Buffalo," in Mecklenburg, have long had a wide reputation, and the more re- 
cently discovered lithia and other springs near Farmville, and at " Wolftrap," in 
Halifax, are rapidly becoming known throughout the country. The sulphur 
springs in Powhatan (Huguenot) and in Amelia were once much resorted to. 

A recently discovered well at Chase city, in Mecklenburg county, where is a 
colony of Englishmen, furnishes a water which is said to have made some re- 
markable cures of dyspepsia. 

HEALTHFULNESS. 

Except in limited localities in and near certain water courses, where malarial 
diseases prevail to some extent, this is an exceptionally healthy region, perhaps 
as favorable to longevity as any part of America — we might almost say "of the 
world." 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



37 



MIDDLE VIRGINIA BY COUNTIES. 



GROUPING IN NATURAL SUB-DIVISIONS. 
NORTHSIDB GROUP. 



Potomac Basin , 



Pamunkey Basin. 
James Basin 



James-Appomattox Basin. 



Appomattox Basin. 



COUNTIES, 



[Fairfax, 
j Alexandria. 
\ Prince William. 
(.Stafford. 

f Spotsylvania, 
t Louisa. 

f Fluvanna. 
\ Goochland. 

'Buckingham. 

Cumheriand. 

Powhatan. 

Chesterfield, 
t Appomattox. 

f Prince Edward, 
t Amelia. 



SOUTHSIDE GROUP. 



Nottoway Basin. 



f Dinwiddle. 

\ Nottoway. 



{Lunenburg. 
Brunswick. 
Greensville. 

f Campbell. 
I Charlotte. 

Eoanoke Basin -i Pittsylvania. 

I Halifax. 

l^ Mecklenburg. 

In the following brief description the counties are arranged in alphabetical order, 
as before, for convenience of reference. 



38 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGHNIA. 



[IDDLE VIRGINIA BY COUNTIES. 



ALEXANDRIA 

was originally a part of Fairfax. Having been ceded to the General Government 
as a portion of the District of Columbia, and retroceded to Virginia in 1847, it was 
organized into a county. The area is very small, being only ten miles long and 
five miles wide, with 18,329 acres, assessed at $1,772,988. The population, inclu- 
ding Alexandria city, is 17,546. 

This county lies along the south bank of the Potomac river, with the District 
of Columbia containing the Federal Capitol, Washington city, and Georgetown, 
on the opposite bank. The county seat is the very considerable town of Alexan- 
dria, on the Potomac. The commercial advantages of Alexandria city^and county 
are unsurpassed, the facilities for shipping and means of access to market being 
all that could be desired. The river is navigable for the largest vessels with a 
depth of forty-five feet at the wharves. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal has its 
terminus at Alexandria. Two turnpikes and several county roads lead into the 
District of Columbia across three fine bridges. The Virginia Midland, the Wash- 
ington and Alexandria, the Alexandria and Fredericksburg, and the Washington, 
Ohio and Western railroads have terminal points in the city of Alexandria, and 
pass through the county in various directions. 

The educational advantages of Alexandria are very great, some of the finest 
private schools in the country being located here ; and the Theological Seminary 
of the Episcopal Church is just outside of the city limits. 

The soil of this county is well suited for market gardens, and the proximity of Al- 
exandria city and Washington give great advantages in this respect, aiid for dairy 
farming. Washington is rapidly becoming one of the greatest cities of the country, 
and lands in the vicinity are fast enhancing in value. 

AMELIA 

was formed in 1734 from Prince George. It lies on the south bank of Appo- 
mattox river, which separates it from Chesterfield, Powhatan and Cumberland 
counties, and, together with its numerous tributaries, affords ample drainage and 
extensive bottom lands. The county is thirty miles long and about ten miles in 
mean breadth, aud contains 223,693 acres of land valued at $907,975. Population 
10,317. The upland is gently undulating ; the soil varies from red clay to gray 
slate and sandy loam and produces good crops of tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, rye, 
grass, &Q. Tobacco is the main money crop, and its production and curing are 
carried to great perfection by intelligent and careful planters. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 39 

'* Flue-curing " has been practised here for four years past, and it has been 
found that bright tobacco of the finest quality can be produced in Amelia. Com- 
mercial fertilizers, especially raw phosphates, are reported to act well and prove 
very remunerative here; improved agricultural machinery i^ being introduced by 
enterprising farmers, and this bids fair to become again what it once was — one of 
the richest counties in the State, in proportion to population. 

The Richmond & Danville railroad passes through the centre of the county, 
-and the Norfolk & Western near its southeastern border. The Appomattox river 
on the northern edge is again opened for navigation, giving access to the markets 
■of Petersburg. 

The mineral wealth of this county is considerable. The following specimens 
are on exhibition at New Orleans : 

The following specimens have been loaned by Prof. Wm. M. Fontaine, from 
his collection at the University of Virginia for the New Orleans Exposition : 

1. Potstone, which is found in large quantities. Has been used for stove backs, 
in place of fire-brick, as it is a good material to resist heat. Was cut by the Indians 
Into pots. 

2. Fragments of an old Indian pot^ cut from the above potstone. 

3. Zircon, Feldspar and Columbite, from Mica mines of Amelia. 

4. Amazon Stone, which occurs occasionally in the feldspar of the Amelia mica 
mines. 

5. Albite Feldspar, from Amelia Mica mines. 

6. Crystals of Albite, Feldspar, Quartz and Mica, from cavities in Amelia Mica 
mines. 

7. Orthoclase Feldspar, from Amelia Mica mines ; has been shipped for manu- 
facture of porcelain. 

8. Albite Feldspar, showing change of colors, from Amelia Mica mines. 

9. Beryl Crystal, fragment of a large one, from Amelia Mica mines. 

10. Mica, from Amelia Mica mines. 

11. Monazite, from same. 

12. Albite Feldspar, with Spessarite Garnet, from same. 
The folfowing from tlie Virginia Department of Agriculture : 

13. Mica, from A. Rutherford owner of Amelia Mica mines. 

14. Mica. Hali. 

15. Kaolin, fine quality, from Amelia Mica mines. 

16. Quartz, glassy, from same. 

17. Feldspar, from same. 

18. Amazon Stone, from same. .. 
The following rare specimens from the above mines are loaned by Prof. W. M. 

Fountaine : 

19. Columbite Crystals, a large mass. 

20. Microlite Crystals, a large mass. 

21. Monazite, a lar^e crystaline mass. 

22. Monazite, partly altered, a large crystaline mass. 

23. Microlite, striated by overlaping plates of mica. 

24. Monazite, aggregated crystals. 

25. Albite Feldspar, crystals. , 

26. Albite Feldspar, Spessarite and Helvite. 

27. Allanite, a variety of Orthite. 



40 HAND BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



APPOMATTOX 

was formed in 1845, from^Buckingham, Prince Edward, Charlotte and Campbell 
counties. It is about 26 miles long and 18 miles in width, and contains 210.500 
acres of land, valued at $868,720. Population, 10.017. It lies on the south bank 
of James river, and is well watered by tributaries of that river, by the Appomat- 
tox, and some of the tributaries of Staunton river. 

The surface is rolling, and in some parts hilly, but the many streams give a 
large proportion of bottom land. The soil varies from a stiff red day to gray slate 
of a light and friable texture. The productions are tobacco, grain and grass. 
The timber is abundant and of valuable kinds, as oak, hickory, walnut, chestnut,. 
maple, poplar, dogwood, &c. 

The means of transportation to market are very good, and are afforded by the 
Norfolk and Western railroad passing through near the centre, and by the Rich- 
mond and Alleghany railroad, which skirts its northwestern border. This is a 
healthy and pleasant climate, where cheap and productive lands and pleasant 
surroundings furnish good inducements for new settlers. 

The minerals of Appomattox are varied and valuable, to-wit : gold, iron, cop- 
per, manganese, steatite, mica, plumbago, asbestos, &c., and are represented in 
part at the 

WORLD'S EXPOSITION AT NEW ORLEANS 

by the foUowmg specimens : 

1. Limonite, from Jones & Button's mine (Nuttall), one mile from Walker 
Ferd Station, Richmond and Alleghany railroad. 

2. Margarite, a form of mica, from Geo. P. Harner. 

3. Steatite, from same. 

4. MagnetiteZiTom same. 

5. Limonite, fibrous, from Wm. Drinkard, Stonewall creek, three miles irom. 
James river. 

6. Limonite, from Thomas J. Straton. 

7. Gold bearing quartz, from Geo. P. Harner, 

8. Specular Iron Ore, from same. 

9. Manganese Ore, from J. B, Moon. 

10. Specular Iron Ore, from John J. Goff, Chestnut mountain. 

11. Limonite Iron Ore, from E. M. Legrand, Chestnut mountain. 

12. Limestone, from Mrs. Martha Walker, on James river. 

The iron ores of Appomattox are almost unlimited in quantity, and are of 
immense value. 

BRUNSWICK 

was formed in 1721, from Surry and Isle of Wifht. It is nearly a square of about 
25 miles on a side, and contains 356,892 acres, assessed at $1,150,143. Population, 
16,790. 

The surface of the county is undulating, and the lands are uncommonly well 
watered, having the Nottoway river on its north border, separating it from Din- 
widdle and Nottoway counties, and the Meherrin and tributaries through the cen- 
tral parts ; also by tributaries of the Roanoke in the southern sections. The soil 
is for the most part a sandy loam, easily worked, and very productive in wheat. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 41^ 

corn, cotton, peanuts, and tobacco. Gypsum is said to act well on these lands, 
and they are very responsive to commercial fertilizers. This county ranlis third 
in the production of cotton — ^2,950 bales. 

Many fine thoroughbred horses were formerly raised in Brunswick. 

The climate is mild and healthy. 

The line of the projected Richmond and North Carolina railroad has been sur- 
veyed through the heart of Brunswick, and will pass by Lawrenceyille, the county 
seat, giving quick and easy transportation to market. 

BUCKINGHAM 

was formed in 1761 from Albemarle ; is thirty-five miles long and tweuty-four 
miles wide, and contains 354,163 acres of land, assessed at $1,433,246. Population, 
15,227. 

It lies on the south bank of James river, which forms its boundary on two sides 
and for a distance of more than fifty miles. The broad bottom lands on this river 
are of unsurpassed fertility. "Willis river. Slate river, and many smaller tributa- 
ries of the James water this county, and the Appomattox forms part of the south 
boundary. 

The surface is rolling and hilly, with several small mountains, as Willis, Slate 
river, and Spears mountains. The soil varies from^etiff red clay to a gray slaty 
texture, much of it very rich, but some poor chestnut ridges of considerable ex- 
tent are found in parts. The Slate river lands are very fiae, and comprise a con- 
siderable area. 

The productions are tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, rye, and grass. There is much 
fine tobacco produced in this county, and the planters are careful handlers of it. 
New varieties are being tried, and an eff'ort made to improve the old kinds. 

The timber found here consists of oak, chestnut, pine, hickory, &c., and is 
abundant. This county is rich in minerals — iron, gold — of which many mines 
have been successfully worked for a great many years ; barytes, slate, asbestos, 
mica and limestone. Slate of superior quality is mined near New Canton more ex- 
tensively now than ever before, and is in great demand all over the country. To 
accommodate the demand for transportation of this slate, there has recently been 
built the Buckingham railroad, a branch from the Richmond and Alleghany rail- 
road from Bremo Bluff station across the James, on a new and substantial bridge, 
to the slate quarries. The construction of the railroad and bridg'e here mentioned, 
and of several bridges at other points, is due to the enlightened policy of the au- 
thorities of the Richmond Alleghany railroad, who are doing all in their power to 
develop the country through which it passes. 

The following (somewhat abridged) was taken from one of the papers in 1880 ; 
the writer was assessor of lands in the county, and has no interest in the mines. 
Veins of gold, slate and iron enter the county just above New Canton, on 
James river, passing through the county. Slate is the leading rein, from a qua,r- 
ter to a half mile wide, inexhaustible as to quantity and most excellent in its 
character, and now largely worked. 

The gold vein is from two to fifteen feet wide on the west, and iron on the east 
in the greatest abundance. * * * =f: * * >ic 

After describing and locating eight mines which have been opened and worked,. 
he adds, "I am anxious to see the great mineral resources of this county developed, 
which are equal, as I believe, to the fabulous wealth of the Black Hills, or Cali- 
fornia itself. Then let capitalists and mineralogists and geologists come and 
examine for themselves." 



42 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

The celebrated Everman (Practical Mineralos;.?) says : 

"We have here (in Virginia, &c.) a belt of gold of unparalleled extent, im- 
mense width and undoubtedly reaching to the primitive rqck. * * * * 

Here is a mass of precious metal enclosed in the rock which cannot be exhausted 
ior ages ; and in this respect the region in question is the most important of all 
Ifnown deposits, California not excepted." — The Virginias. 

Buckingham county is represented by the following 

MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Roofing Slate, from quarry of Edwards & Eoberts, near N'ew Canton. 

2. Steatite, from two miles from mouth of Hardware river. 

3. Gold, in quartz, from Morrow mine. 
'^. Iron Ore, from Bent Creek. 

The following were collected by E. D. Eraser, Esq. : 

5. Kaolin, from the land of M. G. Eicon. 

6. Quartz, micaceous, from Willis Mountain. 

7. Gold, in a molecular state, from land of T. H. Garnett, six miles south from 
the courthouse. 

8. Asbestos, from Willis Mountain. 

9. Pyrite, iron pyrites, from Willis Mountain. 

10. Qold-bearing quartz, from " Marrow" mine, 

11. Magnetite, magnetic iron ore, from land of Geo. H. Cox. 

12. Steatite, from land of T. H. Garnett, Willis Mountain. 

13. Mineral, from Willis Mountain. 

14. Cyanite, from Willis Mountain. 

15. Schorl, from Willis Mountain. 

16. Copper Ore, from shaft 80 feet deep on Willis Mountain. 

17. Schorl, &c., from Willis Mountain. 

18. Cyanite, from Willis Mountain. 

19. Gneiss, from Willis Mountain, 

20. Micaceous Sand Stone, from Willis Mountain. 

21. Gneiss with Cyanite, from Willis Mountain. 

22. Quartz, from Willis Mountain. 

23. Mica, from Willis Mountain ; surface indications abundant. 

24. Hematite Iron One, from Willis Mountain, from land of T. H. Garnett. 

25. Quartz., crystaline, from near Willis Mountain. 

26. Quartz, crystaline, from west of Willis Mountain.. 

27. Quartz, from Willis Mountain. 

28. Quartz, crystaline, Mrs. T. H. Garnett's, west of Willis Mountain. 

29. Mineral, from Willis Mountain. 

30. Gneiss, from Woodson Cave, Willis Mountain. 

31. Ochroiis Clay, Willis Mountain. 

32. Micaceous Eock, from Willis Mountain. 

33. Quartz and Schorl, Willis Mountain. 

34. Zircon, AVillis Mountain ; shows in great abundance. 

35. Garnets, from Willis Mountain. 

36. Quartz, crystaline, from Mrs. S, A. Hubard's, three miles east of Willig 
fountain. 

37. Schorl in quartz, from John A. Scruggs', half a mile west from Willis 
'Mountain. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 43 

38. Magnetite^ from land of N. B. Shepard, four miles northeast from Willis 
Mountain ; in large amount. 

39. Magnetite, from land of P. A. Hubard, two and a half miles north from 
Willis Mountain. 

40. Kaolin, from Mrs. S. A. Hubard, three miles east from Willis Mountain. 

41. Magnetite, from land of Kichard Davis, twelve miles east from Buclsingham 
Courthouse. 

42. Hematite Iron Ore, from Mrs. S. A. Hubard. 

43. Mica in quartz, one-half miles west from Willis Mountain. 

44. Pyrite, Iron Pyrites, from land of Mrs. S. A. Hubard, three miles east from 
Willis Mountain. 

CAMPBELL 

was formed in 1781 from Bedford, It is nearly a square of twenty-five miles to 
a side, and contains 337,216 acres of land, assessed at $1,175,613, exclusive of 
Lynchburg. Population, including Lynchburg, 36,253. 

It lies on the south bank of James river, by tributaries of which, and by Otter 
and Falling rivers and other tributaries of the Staunton, it is well watered. 
These streams give to it any quantity of water power for manufacturing pur- 
poses. 

The James and Staunton rivers, the first emptying into Chesapeake bay, and 
the latter into the Roanoke, (which empties into the Albrmarle Sound) aftbrd 
water transportation for a portion of the productions of this county; but much 
the larger portion goes by railroads. The Virginia Midland R. R. traverses it from 
North to South ; the Norfolk and Western runs through the northern section 
from east to west; and the Richmond and Alleghany on its north border, all 
combining to give this county peculiar advantages and facilities for markets in 
every direction. 

The surface is rolling and hilly. The soil is fertile and particularly adapted to 
the production of the fine, high priced tobacco, as well as grain and grass. 
Land is valued at from four to twenty dollars per acre, and muchof itis worth a great 
deal more. There is an abundance of timber of the usual growth of this section, a 
large part of the area being clothed with the original forest trees. Lynchburg, 
situated on the banks of James river, in the northern end of the county, is the 
fourth town in importance in the State, and contained in 1880 a population of 
15,959, which has greatly increased since. The three railways which traverse this 
county cross each other here, making it a fine centre of trade. There are in 
Lynchburg eight banks and banking houses, four newspapers, four fine hotels, 
ten churches, many public and private schools, seventy tobacco factories, and in 
the suburbs two rolling mills, three foundries, two large flour mills, two bark 
and extract manufactories and numerous other enterprises. 

The following is from a description furnished by H. T. Leman, former school 
superintendent : 

" The formation of Campbell belongs to the azoic period, and is based on 
granite, syenite and gneiss. Some fine specimens of granite lie in the northeast- 
em portion of the county, on James river, furnishing the finest building rock; 
but the larger portion found in the county is syenite, from some of which good 
millstones are made. Through the middle of the county, running from east to 
west, and about two miles in width, there is a vein of '" new red sandstone " over- 
lying the original formation. This is found in laminae from three to six inches 
thick, smooth surface, and is much used for building chimneys. The surface is 



44 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

generally rugged. The ridges running through the county are high, in sevei'al 
instances reaching the dignity of mountains. The soil of the higher land is a 
light, thin, gravelly loam, not very productive of itself, but yielding good crops 
with a little aid from fertilizers. The finer kinds of tobacco, wheat, corn, oats 
and grass are the remunerative crops. A vein of some eight or ten thousand 
acres of red or chocolate land, extending northeast and southwest, furnishes a 
fine soil for wheat — equal to any in the State — and with the large area of alluvial 
bottom places it among the most productive of those east of the mountains. 

The minerals consist of several varieties of iron ore, manganese and steatite. 
Some valuable mines have been worked for a good many years — those lying on 
Stonewall and Falling creeks furnishing from eighty to eighty-four per cent, of 
peroxide of iron. Ore is found almost everywhere in the county, but has been 
more particularly developed on the line of the Virginia Midland railroad, where 
large deposits of manganese have also been discoverecl. Some of the steatite is 
of beautiful texture, and makes handsome and durable backs and jambs for fire- 
places. 

Timber is abundant and consists of hard yellow pine ; white, black, red and 
chestnut oaks; poplar, locust, walnut, hickory, black gum, sweet gum, a magnifi- 
cent tree, growing tall and straight, furnishing a fine lumoer for cabinet work 
and hubs of wheels. The sour wood grows in great quantities on the ridges, does^ 
not attain much size and is only used for fire-wood, but twice a year ornaments 
the forest with its beautiful lily-like flowers, and furnishes the bee with its purest 
honey. 

Campbell has the following 

MINERALS ON EXHIBITION AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Cyanite, from J. J. Hardwicke, Lynch station, Virginia Midland Railroad. 

2. Iron Ore, specular and magnetic, from mine near Lynch station. 

3. Magnetic Iron Ore, from mines of E. S. Lee, Otter river station, Virginia 
Midland Railroad. 

4. Manganese, from mines of H. Olivier, near same locality as above. 

5. Barytes, from "Hewitt" mine, near above locality. 

6. Steatite, from Mrs. C. Peerman's quarry, near same locality. 

7. Marble, from J. M. Burruss, near same. 

8. Manganese, from mine of M. L. Bishop, near Lynch station. 

9. Magnetic and Specular Iron Ore, from last mentioned mine. 

The following were collected by Mr. E, D. Frazer: 

10. Iron Ore. magnetic, from " Rosenberger " mine. 

11. Iron Ore, specular and magnetic, from B. S. Bernard's, near Lawyer's store^ 

12. Iron Ore, hematite, from "Mortimer" mine. 

13. Manganese, from E. S. Moorman's, near Lawyer's. 

14. Manganese, from " Carson " mine, four miles south from Lawyer's. 

15. Quartzite Marble, from Lee mine. 

16. Quartzite Marble, a slab, from Moon's quarry, on Lee mine. 

17. Barytes, ground, grade number one, from mills of Tanner, Bliss & Co,, 
Lynchburg, 

18. Barytes, ground, grade number two, from same firm — the mineral was 
mined in Campbell county. 



HAND-BOOK OP VIRGINIA. 45 



CHARLOTTE 

was formed in 1765 from Lunenburg. This county has 301,417 acres of land, with 
an assessed value of $1,599,533. The greater part of the county is watered by the 
Staunton and its tributaries, and some of the branches of the Meherrin have their 
sources in the eastern edge of Charlotte. There is much productive bottom land, 
and the soil is generally good, especially suited to fine tobacco as well as to cereals 
and grass. There was formerly much wealth in this county, and now its fine soil, 
abundant water-power, fine timber, and healthy climate make it very desirable 
as a residence. Many settlers from the North have located here and are pleased 
with the country. The market facilities are good, the Danville railroad passing 
through the county, and the Mecklenburg branch from Keysville through the east- 
ern edge ; and the Staunton river is naviaable for batteaux all along the southern 
and western frontier of the county ; $5,000 per annum is being expended by the 
general government in extending and improving the navigation of this river, and 
a steamer will soon be running up to Cole's Ferry and as high as Brookneal. 
Iron ore, copper, mica, and kaolin have been found in Charlotte. 

CHESTERFIELD 

was formed from Henrico in 1748. It is 28 miles long and 18 miles wide. The 
surface is rolling. The soil is in general light and gray in color, easily improved, 
and contains 293,142 acres, assessed at $3,216,479. Population, 24,179. The 
James forms its northern and the Appomattox its southern boundary. There is 
much very rich alluvial land on these rivers. 

The county is well watered and intersected by important railway lines. 

The productions are wheat, corn, oats, hay, tobacco, and vegetables. Marl ex- 
ists in the lower end of the county. 

Chesterfield still contains a good amount of timber. The county is receiving a 
good number of immigrants. Its proximity to the market of Richmond and Pe- 
tersburg give it great advantages. 

This county has inexhaustible mines of bituminous coal, natural coke, and 
ochre, and extensive quarries of superior granite in^active operation. Kaolin and 
ochre of the finest character have been discovered in this county. 

Manchester, the principal town, has two cotton mills, several flouring mills, one 
paper mill, one bucket factory, iron works, the machine shops of the Richmond 
and Danville railroad, and several other manufactories, and^is connected with 
Richmond by five bridges across the James. The coalofj"Chesterfield is celebra- 
ted as a very rich gas coal ; the principal mines are the Midlothian, *Brighthope, 
Black Heath and Winterpock. The Richmond and^jDanville|railroad and the 
Richmond and Petersburg railroad cross the James at Manchester on two fine 
bridges, and pass south through this county, and railwrayi frotn|the coal ihiaes in 
the western part of the county run eastwardly, intersecting the main lines, and 
bring their products to the James river, below Manchester, and to 'the Appomat- 
tox, below Petersburg, at points of shipment ; also to Bermuda Hundred, near 
the 3 unction of James and Appomattox rivers. ^ 

*Tlie Brightliope has a railroad from tlie mlaes to James river," twea';y-aae ;miles, crossing 
Richmond andPeterabarg rai;road at Cliester, coaasctiag witli Riclimoud and ^Petersburg ; and at 
Osborne, on tie river, large-sized vessels take on tliis coal (or foreign markets. 



46 HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 

The remains of an iron furnace are found in this county, five or six miles below 
Richmond, described by Berkeley in his History of Virginia as being worked in 
1620. It was broken up by the massacre of Opecancanough in 1622. 

Ochre of good quality is largely mined on the Appomattox river. 

CHESTERFIELD MINERALS AT NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Bituminous Coal, from Brighthope Ry. Co.'s mines, from beds 25 ft. thick. 

2. Gloss Sand, from Bermuda, near James river, very fine quality. 

3. Bituminous Coal, from "Etna" mine, near Coalfield station, R. & D. E. E,. 

4. Carbonite, Natural Coke, from "Eureka" coke mine, near same place. 

5. Crude Yellow Ochre, from mines of Bermuda Ochre Co. 

6. Manufactured Yellow Ochre, from above, considered by manufacturers equal 
to best French. 

7. Iron Ore, hematite, from 3 to 4 thick above beds from which above ochre is 
obtained makes good metalic paint — probably the ore used in the first iron works 
built in America. 

8. Granite from Old Dominion Granite Co.'s quarries on James river. 

CUMBERLAND 

was formed in 1748 from Goochland, It is 32 miles long and about ten broad, 
with the Appomattox river running on its south, the James on its north boun- 
dary, and Willis' river through its western part; the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road runs through a portion of its southern border. 

The surface is undulating and the soil productive. 

Population, 10,540. 

Number of acres of land, 190,749, assessed at $1,039,630. 

The products are tobacco, wlieat, corn and oats. The cultivated grasses, par- 
ticularly clover, succeed admirably on improved lands. 

The soil is very good, with generally a red clay sub-soil, and is capable of being 
made very productive. The lands on the rivers are very fertile. No county in 
the State, probably, is more healthy than this, and the inhabitants have every 
reason to be satisfied with their homes, and persons seeking new homes will find 
many inducements here. 

Cartersville, on the James, is the principal village, and much of the produce of 
the county is shipped from this point by the Richmond and Alleghany railroad, 
which runs on the north border of this county, on the opposite side of the river. 
A substantial bridge across the river at Cartersville places the farmers of the 
northern end of the county in easy reach of the railroad. 

Coal is found in the county, but it is only fit for furnaces and blacksmith's use. 

A most remarkable cluster of mineral springs has been discovered in this county 
within a third of a mile from the town of Farmville. There are lithia, sulphur, 
chalybeate, and magnesian waters flowing from the earth within a few yards of 
each other — a wonderful and beneficent freak of Nature. 

CUMBERLAND MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Iron Ore, lean, ffom Lyon A. Agee. 

2. Iron Ore, from Dr. J. M. Blanton, Farmville. 

3. Magnetite, from Col. J. C. Wood, near Ca Ira. 

4. Lignite, from Dr. J. M. Blanton, Farmville. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. W 



DINWIDDIE 

was fortaed in 1752 from Prince George. Ttie surface is in some part, undu- 
latins:, but mostly level. The soil of the undulating portion is light clay loam, sus- 
ceptible of jthe highest state of improvement. The Appomattox on the north 
boundary, and the Nottoway on the south, with their tributaries, give ample 
drainage to the county, with fertile bottoms. 

Population, Petersburg included, in 1880, 35,293; number of acres of land, 
327,516, assessed at $1,063,103, exclusive of the city. The productions are corn, 
wheat, tobacco, cotton, oats, peanuts, potatoes, melons and vegetables of almost 
every variety for the Petersburg and other markets. Commercial manures are 
largely used. There is marl in the northeastern portion of the county, which is 
used to some extent, with very beneficial effects. All varieties of clover and grass, 
flourish well on the enriched lots and on the bottom lands. There is a large area 
in timber, consisting of oak, hickory, dogwood, walnut, ash, persimmon, elm, 
poplar and pine, original and second growth. 

At Mayfield, in this county, there is an immense quantity of granite, said to be 
of the best quality and susceptible of the finest polish. 

These quarries have been worked for the last fifty years. Granite of fine qual- 
ity is also found on the Booth farm, immediately on the line of the Norfolk and 
Western railroad. 

Several veins of hematite, and one of magnetic iron ore crop, out in different 
portions of the county. , 

Petersburg, in this county, is an important railroad centre and a large cotton 
and tobacco market, and has many tobaceo factories. This city had a population 
of 21,664, in 1880, and the number has greatly increased since. The Central Lu- 
natic Asylum, lor colored lunatics, newly built, is near Petersburg. 

The Norfolk and Western railroad, from Norfolk to Bristol-Goodson, passes 
through the city, and has extensive depots and machine shops, and a branch road 
to City Point, on the James. The Petersburg and Weldon, and the Richmond 
and Petersburg roads have terminal points with depots and machine shops here. 
The Richmond and Carolina railroad will pass through Petersburg and the cen_ 
tre of this county and Brunswick, and intersect the Raleigh and Gaston railroad 
in North Carolina. Work on this railroad has been commenced. The Appo- 
mattox river is navigable to Petersburg for steamers, and furnishes valuable water- 
power for the various manufactories adjacent to the city. 

FAIRFAX 

was formed in 1742 from Prince William. It lies on the Potomac river, and ad- 
joins Alexandria county. The county is watered by the Potomac and the Occo- 
quaa, and their tributaries. 

The surface is generally rolling, and the soil is a sandy and clay loam, and in 
some parts very fertile. 

The population is 16,037. 

Number of acres of land, 252,082, assessed at $2,368,201. 

The productions largely exceed the consumption of the citizens, and consist, 
principally, of corn, wheat, oats, rye, hay, fruits, dairy products, and vegetables. 
Its proximity to Washington city, Georgetown, and Alexandria, ensures a ready 
demand for all the productions of the farm, dairy, and garden. 



48 HAND BOOK OF VIROINIA. 

The land is mostly owned in small farms and is in a high state of cultivation. 
Many families from the northern and western States have settled in this county 
since the war. 

Artificial manures, lime, and gypsum, are in general use. Much of the soil is 
well-adapted to grass. 
Bees, sheep, and poultry, are reported to be profitable. 
There are 30 vineyards, embracing 100 acres. 

The courthouse is situated near the centre of the county, and is a thriving vil- 
lage. It was nearly destroyed by the ravages of the late war, but has long since 
recovered from that disaster. 

Mount Vernon, the home of Washington, is situated in this county, on the banks 
of the Potomac river, eight miles below Alexandria. The grounds are in charge 
of the Mount Vernon Association, and are visited every year by thousands of per- 
sons from all parts of the world. 

Soapstone, asbestos, copper, and iron, are found in Fairfax. The Theodora 
Copper Mine is in this county. 

The transportation facilities of this county are unsurpassed. It is traversed by 
three railways, the "Alexandria and Fredericksburg," the "Virginia Midland,'* 
and the " Washington, Ohio and Western " ; and the Potonac river, which bounds 
two of its sides, is navigable for large vessels as far as Washington. 
. On the Potomac are many valuable fisheries, from which shad, herring, and 
other fich are caught in great numbers. 

The dairy business is conducted on an extensive scale. The production of milk 
for the supply of the cities of Washington and Georgetown amounts to over 2,000 
gallons daily. There are also several butter and cheese factories. 

The wheat crop of this county has also increased immensely. Where, a few 
years since, two threshers with horse-power did all the work, from farm to farm, 
there are now six steam-power threshers employed. Improved self-binder har- 
vesters are in use. 

Great quantifies of ship-timber, and poplar for paper pulp, have been shipped 
irom the county. 

Farmers are prosperous, and settlers are adding steadily to the population. 

FAIRFAX COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Soapstone, from Edward Fitzhugh. 

2. Iron Ore, from J. J. Ratchford, Vienna. 

3. Potter'' s Clay, from Edward Fitzhugh. ♦ 

4. Coal, Jura-Trias. 

5. Lignite, Jura-Trias ; Vienna. 

6. Mica-schist. 

7. Kaolin, Edward Fitzhugh. 

8. Steatite, cut into form of Bible, from Sykes property, near great falls of Po- 
tomac. 

FLUVANNA 

lies on the north bank of James river, and on the western edge of the Middle Di- 
vision. Albemarle bounds it on the west, Louisa on the north and Goochland on 
the east. The Rivanna liver, flowing from Albemarle and Greene counties, enters 
Fluvanna near the northwest corner and falls into the James at the southeastern 
angle of the county, where the thriving town of Columbia is situated. Hardware 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 49 

river flows through the southwestern limits of the county and Byrd creek through 
tlie eastern. These large tributaries of the James, and many smaller streams, 
abundantly water the county, and greatly enhance its agricultural advantages. 

Fluvanna contains 179,912 acres of land, assessed at $853,228.* Population, 
10,802. 

The productions of this county are those common to this part of the Middle 
Division — wheat, corn, oats, rye, grass, and tobacco. For the last-named crop, it 
has a special reputation, the "■sun-cured" of Fluvanna having been renowned for 
several generations. The system of flue-curing has recently been introduced very 
successfully. 

This was formerly one of the best timbered counties in Virginia, and much good 
timber yet remains in some sections — pine, oak, poplar, ash, walnut and hickory. 

The mineral wealth of this county is very considerable. The great gold belt 
passes through, and much gold has been taken from difierent mines. The "Tel- 
lurium" lis the oldest gold mine in Virginia, and the ore of thi and other mines 
is, in places, very rich. 

Iron ore, magnetic and brown hematite, has been found, and good specimens 
of copper ore, in the neighborhood of Palmyra, the county seat. 

The Richmond and Alleghany railroad, passing through the southern border of 
Fluvanna, gives early and quick communication with Richmond. To the central 
parts of the county the Rivanna canal and slackwater navigation in the Rivanna 
rriver alford facilities for shipping produce to Columbia, where it is taken by the 
ailroad. Altogether, this region offers many attractions to settlers — cheap and 
productive lands, pleasant and salubrious climate, accessibility to market, and a 
moral and law-abiding population. 

FLUVANNA COUNTY MINERAIiS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Gold, in sulphurets of iron and copper, from Wm. F. Kirtley, Belzora mine. 

2. Magnetic Iron Ore, from L. R. Payne, of Palmyra. 

3. Gold hearing Quartz, from lands of Eugene Payne, thirteen miles north 
irom Columbia. 

GOOCHLAND 

was formed in 1727 from Henrico. It is 34 miles long and about eight miles wide. 
It lies on the north bank of the James river, in its entire length. The surface is 
undulating. The soil on the river and creeks is very rich j on the ridges not so 
good, but is easily improved and then very productive. It produces large crops 
of tobacco, corn, wheat, oats and hay. As fine timothy meadows can be shown 
in Goochland as are in the United States. 

The population is 10,307. Number of acres of land, 180,192, assessed at $1,- 
345,167. 

Good land can be bought for $12 ; on the ridges, from $2 to $5. The Richmond 
and Alleghany railroad, running through its length, 42 miles by the windings of 
James river, furnishes transportation for the farm products. The health of the 
county is excellent. It is drained by several large and many smaller creeks, 
which empty into the James. 

*The assessed value of the 179,912 acres of land was in 1880 $1,237,930. The iQgures given above 
($853,228) Show a reduction so great and valuation so far below that of the lands of an adjoining 
county which is apparently no better and which is no more prosperous— ^■. e., (ioochland— 
that I can hardly refrain from suspecting that a clerical error has crept in.— Commissioner of 
Agriculture. 

4 



50 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

In this county are found gold, iron ore, copper and coal. There are seven gold 
mines and two coal mhies in the county. The soil is a gray or chocolate loam, 
resting on a tenacious red clay subsoil, and is noted for its large and excellent crops 
of wheat. Many Northern men have purchased lands and settled in this county, 
and are well pleased with it. Besides gold, iron and coal, several other minerals 
are found here, as granite, plumbago and asbestos. The county seat, near the 
centre of the county, is 30 miles from Richmond, and is a thriving village. 

GOOCHLAND COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

Furnished by Charles Willard, Superintendent, from eight veins on lands of Tagus 

Mill and Mining Co. 

Gold Ores from " Hurse Vein," 16 inch thick, and assays from $28 to $40 per ton. 

1. Specimens of outcrop. 

2. Specimens from water level, 14 feet deep. 

From Mary Vein. 

3. Specimen of outcrop. 

4. Specimen open cut near surface— assays, $14. 

5. Specimen from open cut 8^ deep — assays, $10 ; vein 12"^^ thick. 

From Oak Hill Vein. 

6. Specimen from 4^ vein above water level, 

7. Specimen from water level. 

8. Specimen from below water level — yield $10 ; 6^ to 12^ thick. 

^From Oak Hill Tunnel. 

^ 9. Sample of hanging wall 18''^ thick. 

10. Section of vein next below 9. 

11. Section of vein next below 10. ' 

12. Section of vein next below 11. 
,.J3. Bottom of vein below 12. 

^14. Piece of boulder weighing 40 lbs. in a brown gravel vein under 13. 

The Young Shaft. 

15. Laminated rock, from 70^ below surface, from hanging wall of ledge 1,600 

wide. 

16. Layer of slate 6^^ between 15. 

17. From 10^^ quartz vein in 16. 

The Fisher Vein. 

18. Surface croppings. 

19. From water level 14^ down. 

20. From bottom of vein, vein 20^^ thick, close to above foot wall — assays $14 

to $20. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 51 



West Vein in Gilmore Mine. 



21. From 10^ cut. 

22. From 10^ cut. 



The Main Vein. 



23. From croppings on top of hill. 

24. From 20^ deep— assay from $24 to $42. 

25. From 30'^ deep— assay from $24 to $42. 

26. From 40^ deep. 

27. From 50^ deep— assay from $40 to $75. 

28. \ From 60^ deep. If concentrated and roasted will assay $150 to $200 gold, 

29. J and about $9 silver. 

30. Sample of choice croppings, found everywhere along the course of veins, 

31. Gold in sulphurets of iron and copper, from Wm. F. Kirtley, " Belzora" 

mine. 

32. Gold-bearing quartz ; "Fisher" mine. 

33. Talc, mica and plumbago, from line of R. & A. R. R. 



GREENSVILLE 

was formed in 1780 from Brunswick. It lies on the North Carolina line, and is 
one of the cotton and peanut producing counties. 

The surface is level or gently rolling ; the soil mostly a sandy loam, easily tilled 
and freely responding to ameliorating culture. The Nottoway river, on its north 
line, and Meherrin, which flows through its central parts, with their numerous 
affluents, drain its surface and furnish ample water-power and abundant supplies 
of fish. 

The productions are varied and valuable, and include tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, 
cotton and peanuts. There are some stiff clay soils well-suited to wheat. Lands 
are cheap, and the people kind and hospitable. The climate and health are all 
that could be desired. 

The transportation facilities are very good, and are furnished by the Petersburg 
and Weldon railroad, which traverses its greatest length near the middle, and by 
the Seaboard and Roanoke railroad, which is near its southeast comer. Two 
other railroads have been projected, which will greatly add to the commercial ad- 
vantages of this and the adjoining counties. The Atlantic, Danville and Western 
road is already completed from Claremont, the deep-water terminus of this road, 
on the James river, in Surry county, to Hicksford, the county-seat of Greensville. 

Population, 8,140; area, 186,290 acres; assessed at $597,526, a fraction over $3 
per acre . 

Many immigrants have settled here since the war, mostly from the Northern 
States and from Great Britain. The timber of this county is abundant and very 
valuable, and consists mainly of white oak, ash and pine. There is a tram road, 
nine miles long, on which steam-cars ai'e run, leadmg from the Petersburg rail- 
road to a very fine body of white oak timber. 

Marl is found in this county. 



52 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



HALIFAX 



was formed in 1752 from Lunenburg. It is one of the largest and wealthiest counties 
in the State. It borders on the North Carolina line, with Pittsylvania on west and 
Mecklenburg on the east. It lies in the heart of the finest tobacco growing sec- 
tion of the State, and its production of tobacco, wheat, corn and oats aggregates 
a very large amount. This county is remarkably well watered, the Staunton 
river skirting its entire northern and northwestern boundaries, with numerous 
tributaries penetrating the county, while the Dan, Hyco and Banister rivers 
penetrate the interior. The soil on these streams is of great fertility, producing 
large crops of grain year after year without rest or fertilizer. Much wealth and 
refinement exist here, though the wealthiest families lost very heavily by the late 
war, as they did in all parts of the State ; but this county was very largely slave- 
holding. The population is 33,569. Acres of land, 518,514, assessed at $2,907,637. 
While not generally regarded as strictly a grass country, all the grasses do well 
on good land. Sheep raising is largely carried on with very handsome profit. 
The Richmond and Danville railroad traverses this county from northeast t o 
southwest, by which route the county seat is 115 miles distant from Richmond. 
The town of South Boston, on the Richmond and Danville road, at one of the 
points where this road touches the Dan river, is rapidly growing in.importance as 
a tobacco centre — building up a flourishing trade. The Lynchburg and North 
Carolina railroad, recently chartered, will traverse the county from north to 
south ; when built, the county will have ample facilities for market in all its parts. 
Iron, copper, plumbago, manganese and mica are found in the county ; and valu- 
ble lithia water is found at " Wolf Trap," on the Richmond and Danville road, 
and exported to all parts of the country. 

HAIilFAX COUNTY MINERALS AT NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From the Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

1. Cinder, from ancient furnace near Scottsburg. 

2. Magnetite, from John M. Jordan. 

3. Corundum, {?) from D. A. Claiborne. 

4. Steatite and Clay, from Wolf Trap — H. Blair. 

5. IdgJit Sandstone, from same as above. 

6. Magnetite and Specular Iron Ore, from J. M. Jordan. 

LOUISA 

was formed from Hanover in 1742. It is 30 miles long and about 18 miles wide, 
and contains 316,193 acres of land, valued at $1,737,680, and a population of 
18,845. North Anna river forms its northern boundary, separating it from Spot- 
sylvania. The South Anna drains its central parts, and these with their tributaries 
furnish much valuable bottom land and numerous sites for mills with abundant 
water-power. 

The surface is gently undulating, and the soil in most parts of an excellent 
quality. In the western part of this county is a remarkably productive district 
of land called " Green Springs," supposed to be the bed of an ancient 
lake. The main crops of the country are corn, wheat, oats and tobacco, the 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 53 

last the main money crop, and being well handled, usually brings very good 
prices. 

Transportation to market is furnished by the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, 
which traverses it from east to west, and the Virginia Midland railroad skirting 
the western end. 

The county is rich in minerals. Gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, manganese, 
kaolin, and plumbago, all are found here. The inexhaustible deposits of copper 
and iron pyrites will one day be immensely valuable. Very soon they will be 
largely utilized in the manufacture of sulphuric acid with the metal as a by-pro- 
duct. These rich deposits are found on the edge of the gold belt, near Tolersville, 
on the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, and a branch road will soon be constructed 
to the mines. 

Timber of the usual varieties found in Middle Virginia is abundant in Louisa. 

LOmSA COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORIiEANS EXPOSITION. 

The following valuable contributions, six boxes full, are from the "Arminius 
Copper Mine," east from Tolersville Station, Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, con- 
tributed by W. H. Adams, engineer and mine-manager : 

1. Granular Pyrites, from surface of vein ; contains about 50 per cent, of sul- 
phur. 

2. Ch'anular Pyrites, from principal vein ; sulphur, 49.57 ; iron, 43.62 ; copper, 
1.50. 

3. Iron Pyrites, containing gold, silver, &c. 

4. Iron Pyrites, containing copper, gold, and silver. 

5. Iron Pyrites, containing copper. Analysis gives copper, 3. to 12.; iron, 88. to 
43.; sulphur, 34. to 42. . 

6. Massive Iron Pyrites, containing zinc. 

7. Black Oxides of Copper, "fines" ; copper, 4. to 20.; sulphur, 20. to 32.; iron, 
20. to 28. 

8. Massive Hard-White Iron Pyrites ; sulphur, 51.649; iron, 46.870. 

9. Granular White Iron Pyrites \ sulphur, 51.30: iron, 47.60. 

10. Pyrrohotite and Ohalcopyrite ; copper, 4.207; iron, 45.; sulphur, 39. 

11. White Iron Pyrites ; millions of tons of ore carrying above 30 per cent, of 
sulphur and rich in copper and iron are here exposed on line of pits for nearly a 
mile in a northeast and southwest direction — much of it contains from 50 to 52 
per cent, of sulphur. 

12. Garnet Slate and Garnets in place, from main Pyrites vein in No. 3 shaft. 

13. Garnets and Magnetite, crystals in place, from No. 1 shaft, 125^ from 
surface. 

14. Manganiferous Iron Ore, from a prospecting hole. 

15. Iron Ore, Hematite, from surface of pyrites veins of "Arminius " and " Sul- 
phur Mines" Companies properties. These ores have been largely used in Vic- 
toria furnace. 

16. Gold, in sulphurets of iron and copper, from Wm. F. Kirtley, Esq. 

The following from Prof. Fontaine.^ 

17. Gneiss, in large quantities, at HoUiday's mill on North Anna river. 

18. Itacolumite, from the "gold belt," near Tolersville, a little east from the 
pyrites. 

19. Specular Iron Ore, from "Green Springs" neighborhood; not seen in 
place. 



54 HAND-BOOK Or VIRGINIA. 



From the Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

20. Bed Hematite Iron Ore, from J. P. Jordan, from old Victoria Furnace. 

21. Micaceous Iron Ore, from "Davis" Mine, near Tolersville. 

22. Iron Ore, from R. M. Kent, Louisa Courthouse. 

23. Gold-Bearing Quartz, from "Walton" mine. 

24. Manganese, from J. B. Jenkins, Victoria furnace. 

25. Black- Jack Iron Ore, from J. F. Jordan, Victoria furnace. 

26. Graphite., from Mr. Powell. 

27. Gold-Bearing Quartz, said to contain $2,000 to the ton, from J. B. Jenkins. 

28. Magnetic Iron Ore. 

LUNENBURG 

was formed in 1746 from Brunswick. It is 30 miles long in its greatest length, 
and has an average width of about 15 miles. It contains 270,000 acres of land? 
valued at $700,000, and a population of 11,484. The surface is level, or gently 
undulating; the soil a grayish slate or of sandy texture, easily tilled, and pro-, 
ducing geod crops. It lies between Nottoway and Melierrin rivers, the first form- 
uig most of the northern border, and the latter separating it from Mecklenburg on 
the south. The numerous tributaries of these rivers permeate the county in all 
parts and afford many eligible locations for mill sites. 

The productions are tobacco, wheat, corn, oats, cotton, and grass. 

This county abounds in good timber of white and other oaks, pine, hickory, wal- 
nut, and maple. No valuable minerals have been developed in this county, but 
there are or^ exhibition at the New Orleans Exposition samples of glass sand, 
quartz and pyrite. 

The transportation facilities of this county are not very good. The Richmond 
and Danville railroad passes along the northwest border, and the Richmond and 
Mecklenburg railroad on the west line. The Richmond and Carolina railroad as 
projected will pass near the southeast corner, but there is no railroad running 
through the interior. 

This is a healthy region and well adapted to fruits and the vine. The society 
is excellent, and the lands can be bought at a very low price. 

MECKLENBURG. 

was formed 1764 from Lunenburg. It is thirty-six miles long and has an average 
width of about eighteen miles. It contains 417,651 acres, valued at $1,650,000. 
Population, 24,680. It is watered by Meherrin river, which separates it on the 
north from Lunenburg, by the Roanoke, which runs from west to east through 
the southern portions, and by numerous tributaries of these rivers. The Dan nnd 
Stauton unite in this county and form the Roanoke. Upon these fine rivers there 
is a very large extent of rich bottom land — few counties in the State have more. 

The productions are tobacco, corn, wheat, oats and some cotton. About one 
half of the county is in timber, consisting of all the oaks, poplar, ash, hickory,' 
beech, birch, pine, gum, dogwood, &c. Fruits succeed well, there being eight to 
ten thousand acres in apples, peaches, pears, cherries, quinces, plums and apricots 
and a considerable amount in grapes. 

The health of this county is excellent and the society good. Many immigrants 
have adopted this as their home, and there is room and inducements for many 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 55 

more. "Chase City," founded by English immigrants, is a flourishing colony, 
and the people are anxious to secure more of such a desirable class of settlers. 
The Buffalo Lithia Springs in this county have a world wide reputation as furnish- 
ing a mineral water of value in the treatment of dyspepsia, rheumatism and 
diseases of the urinary organs ; and at Chase City a mineral water has been 
discovered which may prove very valuable. 

This county has been greatly benefited by the completion of the Eichmond 
and Mecklenburg railroad from Keysville, on the Eichmond and Danville rail- 
road to Clarksville, nearly across the western end of the county. The comple- 
tion of the Eichmond and Carolina railroad will have a like effect in the eastern 
part ; and the Atlantic, Danville and Western narrow gauge road which has 
already reached Hicksford^ in Greensville, will pass through Mecklenburg, from 
east to west. 

NOTTOWAY 

was formed in 1788 from Amelia. It is 20 miles long by about 12 miles in width, 
and contains 196,300 acres of land, valued at 8861,169. Population, 11,319. This 
was formerly a very wealthy county, and contained a larger proportion of blacks 
than any other in the State — about five-sevenths of the whole, or two and a-half 
blacks to one white. Consequently there has been a great shrinkage of value in 
real estate, and there is an excellent chance to buy fine lands in this and other 
counties of the "black belt" at a low price. It is watered by Nottoway and Lit- 
tle Nottoway rivers and by some of the tributaries of the Appomattox. 

The principal crops are tobacco, wheat, corn, and oats. The tobacco of this 
county is noted for its excellent quality. The timbers consist mostly of oak, pine, 
hickory, maple, walnut, beech, poplar, ash, gum, cedar, dogwood. Mica, steatite, 
kaolin, and granite are found in this county, but have not as yet been developed. 

Blacks and Whites is the largest village in the county. Beginning at the close 
of war with one shanty for a storehouse, it now has over twenty stores and shops, 
one bank, one fertilizer factory, one bark, sumac, and grist-mill, one tobacco fac- 
tory, two tobacco warehouses, three churches, public school building, &c. It 
ships more produce on the Norfolk and Western railroad than any station between 
Petersburg and Lynchburg. 

Burkeville is a thriving village, located in the western part at the intersection, 
of the Norfolk and Western, and the Eichmond and Danville railroads. These 
two railways, entering the county at different points, one on the western and the 
other on the northern borders, afford convenient transportation to most of its ter- 
ritory. This, with the other counties of Middle Virginia, constitute probably the 
healthiest region of the State, and the people are kind and hospitable and ready 
to welcome new settlers among them. 

NOTTOWAY COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION, 

From Collection of Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

1. Steatite, from Court House ; J. E. Tuggle. 

2. Kaolin, from Blacks and Whites; C. Hadder. 

3. Fine Granite, near Burkeville, used when railroads were built. 



56 HAND BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



PITTSYLVANIA 

was formed from Halifax in 1767. It is thirty-five miles long and about twenty- 
six wide, and is the third county in area in the State. It contains 618,267 acres, 
valued at $3,460,651. Population, including the city of Danville, 53,031. It is 
bounded on the north by Staunton river and has Banister, Dan and Hyco rivers 
through the central and southern parts. These rivers and their tributary streams 
afford ample drainage, water power, and much fertile bottom land. The surface 
is rolling and hilly, with some low mountains. The soil is light gray, and grav- 
elly on the hills, while the low lands along the streams vary from stiff red to a 
light, friable, sandy texture, and are very fertile. Tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, 
rye and the grasses are the chief farm products ; the tobacco raised in Pittsylva- 
nia is largely of the bright, high priced kind, and is the main money crop. 

Danville is one of the chief tobacco marts of the State, and is a growing, 
city, with many large manufacturing industries, and an important railroad centre. 
It is located on Dan river, near the southern end of the county, and is the termi- 
nus of four railroads. 

All parts of this county have convenient access to market by railroads crossing, 
its territory. The Eichmond and Danville enters from its eastern border, the 
Virginia Midland from the north traversing its greatest length, and the Danville and 
New rivers from the western line, all centre in the town of Danville. The Pitt- 
sylvania and Franklin railroad from Eocky Mount to Ward's Springs, on the line 
of the Midland railroad, taps a fine agricultural and mineral region in the north 
west part of the county. 

The mineral wealth of this county is very great, and is illustrated in part at the 
World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition by the following speci- 
mens : 

From Va. Midland Eailway exhibit. 

1. Iron Ore, from Pittsville, contributed by Hood, of Pittsylvania Steel Com- 
pany. 

2. Barytes, from "Bennett" Mine, Pittsville. 

3. Barytes, from "Parker" Mines, Pittsville. 

4. Barytes, from " Thompson " Mines, two miles from Pittsville. 

5. Kaolin, from Railway Company's land, Motley Station. 

6. Iron Ore, from Henderson & Bond, one half mile from Motley. 

7. Asbestos, from Railway Company's land, Pittsville. 

8. Gray Granite, from Breem, one and a half miles from Dry Fork Station, 

From Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

1. Asbestos, from Walker Church. 

2. Bed Oxide of Iron and Manganese, from N. W. Cobb, Calland's, 

3. Marble, from John L. Hurt. 

Collected by E. D. Frazer. 

4. Manganese, from Mrs. P. Snow, two miles north from Motley Station, Va» 
Midland railroad ; probably a large deposit. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 57 

5. Limonite, Brown Iron Ore, from Bond & Henderson's Mine, one-half mile 
west from Motley Station, 

6. Magnetic Iron Ore, from Pittsville Mine. 

7. Barytes, from mine of Pittsylvania Mining and Milling Company. 
S. Barytes, from mine of Tanner & Bliss, Pittsville. 

9. Manganese, from mine near Pittsville. 

10. i>a>'?/<es, from "Ham ner" Mine. 

POWHATAN 

was formed in 1777 from Cumberland county. It is 25 miles long and about 15 
miles wide, and contains 160,503 acres of land, valued at SI, 173, 450; population, 
7,848. It has James river for its north and Appomattox river for its south bound- 
ary, giving extended water lines and marginal bottom lands of great fertility. 

The surface off from the streams is gently undulating, and the soil mostly gray 
and of a light friable texture, with some stiff clays. The productions are tobacco, 
corn, wheat, oats and hay, tobacco being the principal money crop. Fruits and 
the vine succeed well in this county. No section of the State is healthier than 
this. It is above malarial influences and below the cold and damp of higher atti- 
tudes. It is an excellent part of the State to live in, and immigrants will finl 
cheap land, good homes, and an intelligent, hospitable people, with churches and 
schools convenient. 

Coal, mica, kaolin, iron ore, and graphite are found in Powhatan, some speci- 
mens of which were exhibited at the World's Exposition at New Orleans, as fol- 
lows : 

1. Bituminous Coal, from Norwood mine. Charles E. Kennon. 

2. Graphite, Dr. W. H. Carhart, from collection of Virginia Department of Ag- 
riculture. 

3. FeldspatMc Gneiss, from same as above. 

4. Kaolin, Dr. W. H. Carhart, from same as above. 

5. Iron Ore and Titanium, fvova Mr. Leake, collection of Virginia Department of 
Agriculture. 

PRINCE EDWARD 

was formed in 1753 from Amelia. It is twenty-five miles long and about twelve 
miles wide, and contains 222,071 acres, valued at $2,061,008. Population, 14,794. 

Appomattox river separates it from Cumberland and Buckingham, and with its 
tributaries furnishes ample drainage. The surface of this county is similar to 
those which adjoin it, being of a gently undulating character, with good bottom 
lands on the streams. 

The soil is mostly formed from granitic or gneissoid rock, and is productive and 
easily improved. The productions are tobacco, wheat, corn oats and hay. This 
is a good tobacco county and produces an article of fine quality. Farmville, in 
the northern part of the county, is a thriving town, and a place of considerable 
importance as a tobacco manufacturing centre, being the fifth largest in the State. 
Near that place are found mineral waters containing a good proportion of lithia 
(see Cumberland county). Hampden Sidney College and the Union Theological 
Seminary are located near Farmville. 

Transportation facilities are convenient to all parts of the county, and are 
afforded by the Norfolk and Western railroad passing through the northern por- 
tions, and the Richmond and Danville railroad in the southern parts. 



58 HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 

The minerals consist of iron, copper, mica, kaolin and some coal, but have not 
been developed. The following specimens were on exhibition at the World's In- 
durtrial and Cotton Centennial at New Orleans, La. 

1. Fire Clay, from land of Wm. T. Barrett, collected by Prof. W. H. Seamon. 

2. Bornite and Malachite Copper Ores. 

From Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

3. Copper Ore. 

4. Quartz, Fluorspar and Pyrite, from L. E. Hewlett, Green Bay. 

5. Kaolin Balls, three, from four miles of Prospect station, from G. W. Bell. 

6. Mica, from R. B. Wilson, Green Bay. 

7. Greenstone. 

PRINCE WILLIAM 

was formed in 1730, from Stafford and King George. It lies on the Potomac 
river with Fairfax on the north, Loudon and Fauquier on the west, and Stafford 
on the south. The surface is rolling and well watered. The soil is generally 
good ; and there are some fine farms. The productions are wheat, corn, oats, 
rye and grass in the western and middle, and trucking in the eastern portions. 
The timber consists of oak, pine, chestnut, hickory, and other woods. The pop- 
ulation is 9,804. It has 221,442 acres of land, assessed at $2,356,123. The Vir- 
ginia Midland railroad traverses it in a southwest course, and the Manassas Di- 
vision to Strasburg penetrates the western part, while the Alexandria and 
Fredericksburg railroad runs through the eastern portion. The Potomac river 
furjsishes water transportation, and fine fishing shores. Occoquan river, forming 
part of its north boundary, drains most of the middle and western parts. Gold, 
copper, barytes, slate, soapstone, brownstone, marble and limestone, are found in 
this county. This county is represented at the World's Cotton Exposition, New 
Orleans, by the following specimens of minerals : 

From Virginia Midland Railway Company's exhibit. 

1. Glass-sand, from Broad Run Station, from J. O. Blythe. 

2. Brownstone, a block from Lynch's f uarry, two miles from Manassas. 

3. Brownstone, a block from quarry of Mayfield Brownstone Company near 
Manassas. 

From Prof. Fontaine. 

1. Lignite, from Neabsco creek on Telegraph road. 

2. Silicified Wood, from same locality as above. 

SPOTSYLVANIA 

was formed in 1720 from Essex, King William, and King and Queen counties. It 
is 23 by 17 miles in extent, and contains 245,905 acres of land, assessed at $1,288,- 
762, and a population of 14,837. 

The surface is mostly undulating, with much fertile bottom land on the numer- 
ous streams which form its drainage system. It lies between the Rappahannock 
and North Anna rivers, which form respectively its north and south borders. The 
interior is watered by the numerous tributaries of these rivers and of the Matta- 
poni. The wide bottom lands on these streams are famous for fine crops of corn, 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 59 

melons, and vegetables. The soil of this county varies greatly, much of the up- 
land being of tenacious clay, while that of the bottoms is mostly of a light, sandy 
texture. 

The productions, besides those mentioned above, are wheat, oats, rye, and grass. 
Large quantities of poultry, vegetables and fruits are sold in the Freaericksburg 
and other markets. 

Fredericksburg is the principal city, and is one of the oldest in the State. 
It has a population of 4,970, and is located on the South bank of Eappahannock 
river at the head of navigation, with lines of steamers to Chesapeake bay and 
Northern cities. 

Besides water transportation, this county has two railway lines, the Richmond, 
Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad, and the Orange and Fredericksburg Nar- 
row-Guage railway to Orange Courthouse, where it connects with the Virginia 
Midland. 

Gold, iron, granite, and sandstone are found in Spotsylvania. 

The oldest furnace in America of which we have any certain knowledge was 
*'Spotswood," in this county, described by Col, Byrd in the "Westover Manu- 
script" a century and a half ago. 

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Iron Ore. 

2. Decomposed Pyrite, from Va. Department Agriculture. 

The following were collected by E. D. Frazier, Esq. 

3. Blue Granite, from falls of Rappahannock, one mile northwest from Frede- 
ricksburg. 

4. Gray Graitite, from Mrs. Downman's quarry, one mile west from Fredericks- 
burg. 

5. Sandstone, from quarry of D. E. Fleming at Fredericksburg. 

6. Sulphurets, gold-bearing, from Greenwood Gold Mine. 

7. Petrified Wood. 

8. Hematite Iron Ore, from abundant "float," on Hazard property. 

9. Limonite, Brown Iron Ore, from land of Wm. Tabb, Tinder's Crossing Posf 
Office. 

10. Limonite, Brown Iron Ore, from land of G. R. Fox, six miles south from 
Parker's Station. 

11. Limonite, Brown Iron Ore, from land of James Buchanan, Sve miles east 
from Parker Station. 

12. Manganiferous Iron Ore, from land of "The Wilderness Mining Company," 
five miles south from Parker Station. 

13. Gold-Bearing Quartz, from "Whitehall" Gold Mine, three and a half miles 
south from Parker Station. 

14. Gold-Bearing Slate, decomposed, from same locality. 

15. Gold Ore, decomposed vein matter, from same. Runs $25 per ton of ore. 

16. Sulphurets, accompanying Gold-Bearing Quartz and Black Sand, same. 

17. Pyrites, from same. 

18. Magnetite, Magnetic Iron Ore, from mine of Marysville Bloomery. 

19. Limonite, Brown Iron Ore, from mine of "Catheriae " Furnace, on battle- 
field of ChanceUorsville. 



60 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

20. Pig Iron. Charcoal, from old " Catherine " Furnace. 

21. Blast-Furnace Cinder, from pile at old " Catherine " Furnace. 

22. Limonite, Brown Iron Ore, from mine of Marysville Bloomary, 

23. Gold-Bearmg Quartz, from " Vaucluse" Gold Mine, seven miles northeast 
from Parker Station. 

24. Gold-Bearmg Quartz, from "Mellville" Gold Mine, seven and a half miles 
northeast from Parker Station. 

25. Sulphurets, from " Vaucluse " Gold Mine, seven miles northeast from Parker 
Station. 

26. Free Gold, from " Whitehall " Gold Mine, three and a half miles from Parker 
Station. 

STAFFORD 

was formed in 1675 from Westmoreland. Population, 7,214; area, 168,521 acres, 
with an assessed value of $1,051,335. 

The Potomac forms the eastern and the Rappahannock the southern hounda- 
ries. Numerous creeks emptying into these rivers penetrate the interior, and are 
navigable to considerable distances. All these waters abound in valuable food 
fishes of many sorts, affording a handsome revenue to the ov/ners and profitable 
employment to labor. They are also valuable for the water-powers utilized for 
mills, &Q. 

The surface is rolling, the soil naturally good, and readily responsive to amelio- 
rating methods of farming. Marl and lime are being applied and the effects most 
beneficial. 

The products are corn, wheat and oats, which are the main crops, and are profi- 
tably cultivated. Trucks and fruits are also profitable branches of agriculture. 
Clover and orchard grass yield good returns, and the grazing and rearing of sheep 
and early lambs for the near markets of the District of Columbia and Baltimore adds 
greatly to the farmers' profits. Access to market is convenient by water along 
the extended littorals, and by the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac rail- 
road. 

This county has abundance of forest land covered with oak, hickory, pine, wal- 
nut, elm, ash and other trees belonging to this section of the state. The minerals: 
are gold, iron ore, and excellent sandstone for building purposes. 

The people are kind and hospitable, the climate healthy and pleasant, land 
cheap, facilities for pleasant living and access to market all that could be desired. 
With all these advantages it would seem hard to find a region better adapted ta 
furnish good homes for the intending immigrant. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 61 



THE PIEDMONT DIVISION. 



This section of Virginia, as its name implies, lies at the foot of the Blue Bidge 
Mountains. This range of mountains extends from the Potomac river, at or near 
Harper's Ferry, to the Dan River, v^^hich forms the dividing line at the point 
where the range crosses it, between Virginia and North Carolina. Its direction Is 
northeast and southwest ; length about 250 miles. 

The general elevation of this section ranges between 300 to 500 feet above tide- 
water. The sub-range of mountain ridges that runs through and parallel to the 
Blue Ridge in many points attains to altitudes of 100 to 600 feet higher. The area 
included in this section is about 250 miles long by 25 miles (average) wide — making 
about 6,700 square miles. 

Lying, as it does, at the foot of the Blue Ridge its western border is indented 
by spurs running into it. Between these spurs there are coves of many sizes 
and shapes, watered by streams — the headwaters of rivers flowing east. This 
eastern slope of lands is broken by the sub-range of mountains above referred to, 
but the altittade and surface of this range are not of such a nature as to prevent 
cultivation and grazing on the highest p )ints. 

For beauty of landscape, variety of scenery, native fertility of soil, water- 
courses contributing to practical benefit as well as to beauty of scenery, this sec- 
tion is surpassed by few, if any, other sections in the United States. 

Dr. Ellzey, of Washington city, D, C, in an Address heforetlie SoutTiern Immi- 
gration Association, says: "In its physical features, picturesque and lovely to 
an unusual degree ; in climate, temperate and healthful ; in the abundance and 
variety of its productions, unsurpassed ; in all that makes life desirable and home 
what it should be, there is no place in this world which surpasses Piedmont Vir- 
ginia — there are very few which come near it." 

The counties composing this section, are Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappa- 
hannock, Madison, Greene, Orange, Albemarle, Nelson, Amherst, Bedford, 
Franklin, Henry, Patrick, in all — 14. {Detailed descriptions of these are given 
below). 

Reference to the map of Virginia will show how this section is watered. The 
main rivers flowing through it or by its northern and southern boundaries, are the 
Potomac, Rappahannock, Rivanna, James, Roanoke and Dan. Besides these are 
numerous smaller rivers and creeks formed by^living springs. It would be safe to 
say that few areas of an hundred acres could be found, in which one or more 
living streams is not found. None of these streams are navigable, nor any of 
them at present, used for transportation, within the bounds of this section, except 
in small batteaux for limited distances. 



62 HAND-BODK OF VIEGINIA. 

The higJiest mountains found in this section are " Peaks of Otter" (one 4000 and 
the other 3874 feet high) in Bedford county; "Fork," 3850, "Bluff," 3522, 
"Eagged," 3298 feet, in Madison county; " Cahas," 3571, in Franklin county; 
Mount Marshall, 3374, in Eappahannock county ; '' Bull," 3215, in Patrick county ; 
"Tobacco Kow," 2937 feet, in Amherst ; " Bull Eun," 1374, in Fauquier county, 
and " Peters," 1824 feet, in Orange county. 

EAILWAYS. 

Eeference to the map will show the conveniency afforded this section by rail- 
ways. The Baltimore and Ohio railroad skirts the northeast line of Loudoun 
county for a considerable distance, and the Washington and Western runs through 
the county. The Manassas Gap and Warrenton branches of the Virginia Midland 
railroad penetrate Fauquier. The Virginia Midland railroad runs through the 
counties of Culpeper, Orange, Albemarle, Nelson and Amherst counties. The 
county of Orange is also touched by the Fredericksburg and Piedmont iN. G-.) 
railroad at Orange Courthouse, and by Chesapeake and Ohio railway at Gordons- 
ville. Albemarle has the latter railroad traversing it from east to west and the 
Eichmond and Alleghany railroad on its southern border. Nelson has the Eich- 
mond and Alleghany on its southeast border, and is penetrated by the Virginia 
Midland railroad. Amherst is skirted on its southern border by the Eichmond 
and Alleghany railroad for many miles, and is penetrated by the Virginia Midland 
railroad, and has the Norfolk and Western skirting its southern border below 
Lynchburg. Bedford is skirted by the Eichmond and Alleghany railroad for some 
distance on its northern border, and the Norfolk and Western penetrates it. 
Franklin has the Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad (N. G.) running from the 
Virginia Midland railroad to Eocky Mount (the C. H). Henry and Patrick are 
penetrated by the Danville and New Eiver Eailroad Narrow Gauge. Eappahan- 
nock, Madison, and Greene counties are not reached by any railroad at present, 
but are not far distant from the Virginia Midland railroRd. 

This section contains 11,024 farms. Number of acres of improved land 
1,951,427; acres iinimproved, 1,850,149; total, 3,791,576. Woodland covers 
about one-half the surface. This woodland consists of the following kinds of growth : 
oak (many species) hickory, chestnut, locust, walnut, pine, cedar, beech, birch, gum, 
tulip, poplar, &c. The soil of Piedmont Virginia, is mainly red in color, and much 
heavier than what is found in the Middle section. Prof. W. B. Eogers, says : 
"In Piedmont the red color of the soil derived from epidote and hornblende, is 
due to the large proportion of oxide of iron they contain — sometimes amounting 
to 30 per cent." 

Hotchkiss says :— The red or.chocolato colored soils of this section, formed from 
the decomposed, dark, greenish-blue sandstone here found, is generally considered 
the most fertile. This sandstone contains several per cent, of Carbonate of 
Lime. The other soils of this region are gray or yellowish. These are by no 
means as fertile as the darker soils ; but there are red soils here as in Middle Vir- 
ginia that are also poor, and for the same reasons. 

The soils of Piedmont are, undoubtedly, many of them among the most fertile 
known, and can be made to produce a great variety and abundance of crops. 
They are easily worked ; if neglected they are soon covered by a growth oi under- 
brush. 

Mean temperature of Piedmont — annual, - - - - 53.7 
" " " " —winter, - - - - 44 

" " " " —summer, - - - - 78 

Rainfall, thirty-two to forty-four inches. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 63^ 

In the detailed description of the counties composing this section will be found 
lists of minerals, and also of the manufacturing establishments lying in this sec- 
tion, as well as some other matters of interest, especially to those who may be 
looking to this section for homes and investments. 

GRAPE CULTUEE AND ORCHARDS. 

In latter years the success in raising the grape in a number of counties in 
this section has largely increased the production of that fruit and the manufacture 
of wine. In 1876 the silver medal was awarded to the wine made by a company 
at Charlottesville, in Albemarle county, at the Paris Exposition — the only one re- 
ceived for excellence. This called attention to the products of the vineyards of 
that locality. Since that time great progress has been made in the raising of 
grapes. The fruit is largely shipped abroad and the surplus made into wine. 
Two companies having wine cellars are in operation at Charlottesville, and many 
parties have found their lands peculiarly suited to the raising of the vine and have 
devoted considerable areas to its culture. 

It is believed by good judges that the Piedmont section, particularly some large 
areas of it, is the best apple region in Virginia or any other State. The " Albe- 
marle Pippin " has attained to great reputation as an apple for export. As such 
it is much sought aft-^r, being esteemed the best apple ever carried to England. 
It special home seems to be confined, however, to the counties of Albemarle, 
Orange, Amherst and Nelson, possibly because these counties have given it more 
attention. 

IMMIGRATION TO PIEDMONT 

has been mainly to the counties of Albemarle, Orange, Loudoun, Bedford, and 
Culpeper. The largest nationality represented in this is the English. Some of 
the finest estates in these counties have passed into their hands. Colonists from the 
Northern States have also settled in this section to a considerable extent. With 
a wise and timely sub-division of the lands of this section, this immigration will 
largely increase, and, added to the natural increase of population, will make this 
section a densely peopled country, uniting as it does, to an eminent degree, the 
great elements of prosperity — viz : agriculture, minerals, and manufacturing sites 
and facilities. 

TOBACCO CULTURE. 

For the ten years 1870-80 tobacco culture has increased from 9,970,580 pounds 
to 21,512,805 pounds. Its main production, however, is confined to the counties of 
Greene, Orange, Albemarle, Nelson, Amherst, Bedford, Franklin, Henry, and 
Patrick — Bedford, Amherst and Franklin being tne heaviest producers. 

PECULIARITIES OF THIS SECTION, AND SPECIAL ADVANTAGE 
AS A HEALTH RESORT. 

Major Jed. Hotchkiss, in The Virginias, June, 1884, says: "We would call 
attention to the fact that the Blue Ridge region of Virginia is, as can be proven 
by the testimony of consumptives fully restored to health, the best Sanitarium in 
the United States east of the Mississippi. The sheltered eastern slopes of the 
long stretch of that mountain range in Virginia, above the line of 1,000 feet of 
elevation above the ocean level and under that of 2,500, offer hundreds of loeali- 



64 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

ties for health resorts for people afllicted with pulmonary diseases, that surpass 
any others that we know of or have read of. During the past 36 jj^ears the 
writer has frequently recommended this region to persons having such diseases, 
and in every case where the advice was followed, a restoration to health has re- 
sulted. If anyone is skeptical about the efficacy of tbe Bkie Ridge air, water, and 
exercise, as remedial agents for lung troubles, let him spend a few months at 
some point in this belt, and we will make him the referee to sustain the opinion 
here advanced. A young man from Vermont, a victim of this especially fearful 
New England disease, took his advice and spent the winter of 1882-3 there, and 
went away with restored health that still continues. We could name other cases. 

"About the best such people could do would be to buy a few acres of the Sun- 
ward dry air slope of the Blue Eidge in Virginia and busy themselves raising 
grapes and other fruits while inhaling health and strength. There are at least 
200,000 acres of such sanitary country for occupation, room for 20,000 people with 
ten acres for each, and none of it remote from railways or markets ; and here, 
too, is the region for building up extensive establishments for health and pleasure 
that will have a large all-the-year-round patronage." 

General McDonald, editor of the '■'■Industrial South,'''' referring to the above, 
says : "We may say that we have some personal knowledge of the particular lo- 
cality mentioned, and from our own observation are quite inclined to acquiesce in 
the opinion of Major Hotchkiss. Among others whom we met at Afton (in this 
belt) was a very intelligent and pleasant gentleman in the government service at 
Washington, from whom we learned that, being subject to rheumatism, he thought 
it well, before determining where he would spend his summer vacation, to consult 
the Signal Bureau — the desideratum being a dry atmosphere. The officers exam- 
ined their records, and reported to him that the dry est mountain atmosphere of 
which they had knowledge was at a place on the Blue Eidge called Afton — of 
which he had never before heard, and his experience had attested the correctness 
of the advice that sent him there. So dry is the atmosphere that a newspaper 
spread on the grass at night shows no sign of moisture next morning, although 
the night is much cooler than the day." 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



65 



COUNTIES OF PIEDMONT YIRGINIA. 



GROUPING IN NATURAL SUB-DIVISIONS. COUNTIES, 

„^ ^ f Loudoun. 

Potomac Waters ^ Fauquier. 

fCulpeper. 
Rappahannock 
Madison. 
I Greene, 
t. Orange. 

""™""°" f Albemarle. 

James waters i Nelson. 

( Amherst. 

/Bedford. 
Staunton Waters ■ ^ Franklin. 

f Henry. 
Dan Waters t Patrick. 



66 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



PIEDMONT TIRGmA. 



ALBEMARLE 

is one of the largest counties of the State, its area being 500,787 acres, 37 per 
cent, woodland, assessed at $6,220,115 — about $12 per acre, its southern boundary- 
is James river ; its western the Blue Ridge mountains. A sub-range of moun- 
tains pass through it, which,' with the main range and spurs, make the surface 
very diversified. There is a ^arge proportion of fine farming land in the county. 
It is well watered by the James, the Rivanna and^, the Hardware, and their tribu- 
taries. These streams furnish abundant watef-power, some of which is well 
utilized. The soil is mainly dark red, well adapted to the staple ci'ops of the 
Piedmont section, and particularly so for clover, apples, grapes'and fruit generally. 
The Albemarle pippin took its name from this county, and here reaches its great- 
est perfection. In no county of th"; State has the culture of the grape been so 
suc®essful. Tlie fruit is largely sold, and the wine has a high reputation. 

There are two large wine cellars at Charlottesville ; that of the Monticello Wine 
Company has a capacity of 150,000 gallons, which can be increased to 200,000 
gallons by tlje use of larger casks ; and that of Mr. Hotopp has a capacity of 
50,000 gallons, to which he is now excavating an addition of 70,000 gallons. Mr. 
Hotopp has also a house cellar of 30,000 gallon capacity now in use. Large 
plantings of vines are being made yearly. 

This county has fine transportation facilities to markets in all directions, by 
means of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad crossing its territory from east to 
west, and the Virginia Midland from north to south. These roads cross each 
other at Charlottesville, the county seat. The Richmond and Alleghany railroad 
passes along the south border. The minerals of this county are varied and valu- 
able, consisting of iron, gold, lead, slate, soapstone, limestone, marble, sandstone 
and granite. 

Albemarle has a number of towns and villages— Charlottesville in the centre 
and Scottsville in the southern border being the principal. 

Charlottesville, the county seat, is a thriving town on the Rivanna river, in the 
most beautiful part of this picturesque region. Population, about 5,000. 

Albemarle presents many and varied attractions which settlers are not slow to 
avail themselves of. Besides being one of the 'most fertile counties of Piedmont Vir- 
ginia and the centre of a great fruit-producing region, it is the seat of two noble 
institutions — the University of Virginia and the Miller Manual Labor School. The 
UniveTsity at Charlottesville is too well known to need a minute description here. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA . 67 

Suffice it to say that it is secckid to no institution of learning on the continent, and 
is attracting great numbers of students from all quarters of the country. The 
location is one of unsurpassed beauty. 

The " Miller Manual Labor School " is now in full tide of successful operation..' 
Magnificently endowed by the late Samuel Miller, of Lynchburg, a native of Al- 
bemarle, and splendidly equipped for the object indicated by its name — giving a 
technical education to boys — this school is being so conducted as to justify the 
most sanguine anticipations of its founder. Probably there is no instance in this 
country where a great bequest for an object like this has been administered with 
such wisdom and fidelity. 

There are many English and Northern settlers in this beautiful county. 

Albemarle county had on exhibition at New Orleans the following specimens 
of minerals, collected hy Professor W. H. Seamon, of the Miller School. These 
and others to be collected by Professor Seamon are placed in trays, with com- 
partments made of native woods by the boys of the Miller School, and the locali- 
ties Irom which they were obtained indicated on a map of Albemarle county, 
prepared at this school : 

1. Species of Granite, from North Garden station, Virginia Midland railroad. 

2. Magnetic Iron Ore, from Mrs. Martin's land, near North Garden ; mine for- 
merly worked. 

3. Soapstone., cut samples, from Albemarle quarry, five miles east from Nqrth 
Garden 'station. 

4. Iron Ore, specimens from Yates' farm, near Albemarle quarry. 

5. Slate, highly charged with graphite, same locality as 4 ; probably valuable. 

6. Igneous Diorite, a parellelopipedon from dike near Faber station, Virginia 
Midland railroad ; shows peculiar manner this rock weathers. 

7. Mica Schist, from Faber Lead Mines. 

8. Mica ScMst, another variety from same place. 

9. Ores and minerals of various kinds, 6 or 7 specimens from Faber Lead Mines. 

10. Slate, charged with micaceous iron ore, from Norvell's farm, near Howards- 
ville. 

11. Brown Hematite Iron Ore, fi»at, from same place as 10. 

12. Manganese Ore, from same place as 10. 

13. Fuddingstone Conglomerate, from Howardsville. 

14. Red Sandstone, from n^ar Howardsvile. 

15. Felsite, from Israel mountain. 

16. Blue Quartz, from Israel mountain. Thin sections of this show rutile. 

17. Massive White Quartz, from Miller School farm. 

18. White Quartz, from Israel mountain, fiUed with muscovite. 

19. Calico Bock, from north branch of Mechum river. 

20. Hydro-mica Slates, irogn Miller School farm. 

21. Quartz Crystals, from Miller School farm. 

22. Oxide »f Iron, pseudomorph, after pyrite, from various parts of county. 

23. JZmenife, from Israel mountain. 

The following specimens are kindly lent by Professor Wm. M. Fontaine, of 
the University of Virginia, from his collection : 

24. Slate, with dendritic markings, from Albemarle Slate Quarry. 

25. Granitic Granulite, suitable for mill stones, from Moorman river, where it is 
in vast quantities. 



68 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

26. Sandstone, from Moorman river, from point west of Whitehall ; very abun- 
dant. 

27. Metamorphic Conglomerate^ from Eockfish Gap tunnel, Chesapeake and 
Ohio railway. 

28. Upidote, from same locality. 

The following is shown in the exhibit of the Virginia Midland railroad, from 
Albemarle county : 

1. Grraphite Slate, three-quarters of a mile from Charlottesville. 

2. Slate, a slab, from Albemarle Slate Co., 6 miles from Charlottesville. 

3. Iron Ore, from Stony Point. 

4. Wine, three cases, from William Hotopp, Charlottesville. 

5. Wi7ie and Brandy, one ease from Monticello Wine Co., Charlottesville. 
Soaptone, a block from Albemarle Soapstone Co., 5 miles from North Garden 

station. 

The following were collected by Prof. W. H. Seamon, of the Miller School : 

29. Purple Eoofing Slate, from the Albemarle Slate quarry, 10 miles south from 
Charlottesville. 

30. Green Eoofing Slate, from same locality as above. 

31. Tile Slates, from same, 

32. Marbleized Slate, for mantels, &e., made at works of above quarry. 

33. Iron Ore, from Stony Point. 

34. Iran Nodule, showing black velvety surface with crystals of white quartz ; 
from Stony Point. 

35. Magnetic Iron Ore, from Isreal mountain. 

36. Quartz Crystals, from Stony Point. 

37. Sandstone, from ridge south of Charlottesville, Used for foundation walls of 
Lewis Brooks Museum. 

38. Mica-Schist, quarried near gas works, Charlottesville, for curbstones, &c. 

39. Mica-Schist, from near Bethel station, Va. Midland R'y. 

40. Quartz, from east flank of Carter's mountain. 

41. Granite, from Dr.Michie's, near Piney mountain. 

42. Syenite, from same locality as 41. 

43. Slate, from Slate Hill Church, 

44. Quarizite, feldspathic, from near Batesville. 
4i>. Hydro Mica-Schist; Batesville. 

46. Greenstone, with quartz and pyrite, from near Powell's. 

47. Bed Sandstone Conglomerate, at Dyer's store, Seottsviile. 

48. Bed Sandstone, from same as above. 

49. Bed Sandstone Conglomerate, from same. 

50. Bed Oxide of Iron, from same. 

51. Coarse Felsite, from Blue Ridge, at Turk's Gap. 

52. Syenite, from Miller School farm. 

53. Blueish Sandstone, from E. flank of Carter's Mountain. 

54. Syenite, containing hydromica, from near Brownsville. 

55. Gneiss, from Morris' mill, near Batesville. 

56. Greenstone, from PoweU's mill, near Crozet station, C. and O. R'y. 

57. Chfieiss or calico rock, from Ivy station, C. and O. R'y. 

58. Felsite, from near North Garden station, Va. Midland R'y. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 69 

59. Feldspar Conglomerate, from Blue Ridge, at Greenwood station, C. and O. 
railway. 

60. FeldspatMc Rock, same locality. 

61. Fpidosyte, same locality. 

62. Epidote and Calcite, from Blue Eidge, at Turk Gap. 

63. Quarfzite, feldspathic, from same locality. 

64. Hornblende Schist, with epidote, quartz and pjrrite, same locality. 

65. Hornblende Slate, from same locality. 

66. Quartz, with crystals of epidote ; same. 

67. Conglomerate, same locality. 

68. CJiert, same locality. 

. 69. Pudding Stone, containing epidote, feldspar and hornblende ; same locality, 

70. Talcose-Schist, containing grains of amethystine quartz ; same locality. 

71. Conglomerate, same locality. 

72. Greenish Schist, same locality. 

73. Quartzite, same locality. 

74. .Quartz, showing jointed structure. 

75. Eed Soil, from foot of Southwest mountain ; results from decomposition of 
epidotic rock. 

76. 5e(?e(Z Dion^e, from Miller School farm. " 

77. Mica-Schist, from Miller School farm. 

78. Sandy Soil, from Mechum river bottom lands, Miller School farm. 
79 Loam, from hillsides of Miller School farm. 

80. Map of Albemarle County, made by pupils of Miller School, showing location 
of above minerals. 

AMHERST 

was formed in 1761, from Albemarle. It lies on the north bank of James river, 
which forms the boundaries of two of its sides, a distance of over fifty miles. 
This rich and beautiful county is twenty-two miles long, and has a mean width of 
nineteen miles, and contains 304,539 acres, valued at $1,889,625. Population, 
18,548. 

The soil of Amherst is mostly a dark red clay and is generally rich and pro- 
ductive. The principal crops are corn, wheat, oats, tobacco and grass. The tim- 
ber consists of fine growths of oak, hickory, walnut, chestnut, pine, maple, pop- 
lar and dogwood. This is a fine fruit county — the apple especially being largely 
cultivated, and grapes to a considerable extent. 

Its main market is Lynchburg, with which it is connected by a free bridge. 
Amherst C. H. is a pleasant little town on the Virginia Midland railroad, which 
runs through the county. The Richmond and Alleghany R. R. runs along its 
southern border for some distance, and the Norfolk and .Western runs on its bor- 
der below Lynchburg for about six miles. The county is susceptible of great de- 
velopment. 

The minerals found here are varied and immensely valuable. Great deposits of 
magnetic and specular iron ores are found here suited for the manufacture of steel 
by the Bessemer process, and of a purity not excelled by any ores south of Lake 
Superior. The brown hematite iron ores are also in great abundance, and are 
cheaply mined, and scarcely less valuable than the specular and magnetic. These 
ores are found in contact with or in the vicinity of the limestones. There are 
many mines of these ores worked in the vicinity. Copper, lead, slate and tin 
are also to be found in Amherst. 



70 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

S]pecimens of minerals from Amherst county exhibited at the New Orleans 
World's Exposition. 

The following were contributed by Col. Dunlap : 

1. Magnetic and Specular Iron Ores, from Maud Vein Mines, near Stapleton, 
Richmond and Alleghany railroad. 

2. Syenite, blue granite, from Bent Creek, near Gladstone station, Eichmond 
and Alexandria railroad. 

3. Roofing Slate, from Snowden Slate Quarry, near Rope Ferry station, Eich- 
mond and Alleghany railroad. 

4 4. Iron Ore, from near Riverville station, Richmond and Alleghany railroad. 

5. Steel Iron Ore, of Vein No. 6, near above locality. 

6. Steel Iron Ore, of Vein No. 6J, near above locality. 

7. Copper Ores, carbonates, malachite, bornite, azurite, red oxide, and coper 
glance— yielding from 27 to 49 per cent, metalic copper, from Piedmont Copper 
Mines in Glades. 

The following are from Prof. Fontaine, of the University of Virginia : 

8. Syenite, from Balcony Falls, occurs in large quantities. 

9. Syenite, from Piney river, in large quantities. 

10. Granulite, from Balcony, would make a handsome building stone. 

11. Bornite and Stalactic Copper Ores, from Dr. Charles Slaughter's. 

12. Magnetic Iron Ore, from 4 feet ledge of solid ore on Indian creek. 

BEDFORD 

was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg. The extreme length from north to south 
is forty miles, its width about thirty miles. It contains 494,198 acres of land, as- 
sessed at 63,227,828. Population, 31,205. 

The surface is uneven and in parts mountainous. The " Peaks of Otter" in 
this county is one of the loftest mountains in the Southern States, and is much 
visited for the magnificent views afforded from its elevated crests. 

The northeast boundary of Bedford is formed by James river, and the southwest 
by Staunton river, and the interior has ample drainage and water power from the 
large tributaries ol these two rivers. 

The soil is a red or chocolate loam, and is generally fertile and easily improved. 
The productions are those common to this section. Grazing and cattle raising are 
"prominent industries — the soil being well adapted to grass and clover. Gypsum 
is used largely, and with fine effect. The county has a special dog law for the 
protection of sheep, and the law works well. Sheep husbandry is prominent- 
and pays handsomely. The recent establishment of a woolen mill at Liberty 
gives a home market for wool, and mutton finds ready sale at the great markets 
easily reached by rail. Large factories for manufacturing its tobacco are also 
found at Liberty. 

Bedford is famous for fine fruit and grapes, and the wine made from them. The 
apples and other fruits from this county have been annually placed on exhibition 
at our fairs, and have generally taken premiums. 

The fpllowing minerals are found in the county : Cyanite, zinc, flint, pyrotite 
mica-plate, hornblende crystals in quartz, pyrite in quartz, aluminous shales, 
quartz crystals, hornblende gneiss, mica, limestone, magnetic iron ore, red and 
brown hematite iron ore. Of the latter the supply is very large. Major Hotch- 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 71 

kiss pronounces it " inexhaustible." General Imboden pronounces it to be high- 
grade, and practically inexhaustible. Prof. Wells, of Roanoke College, says it 
may be termed " The Iron Mountain of Virginia." 

The county is watered on its northeast boundary by the James and its tributa, 
ries, by the Otter river and headwaters in the central part of the county, and the 
Staunton and its tributaries on its southwestern border. The Blue Ridge forms 
its northwestern boundary between Botetourt and Roanoke. 

It has the Norfolk and Western railroad running through its centre, the Rich- 
mond and Alleghany railroad on its northeast border, the Virginia Midland run- 
ning in close proximity to its eastern border. 

Liberty, its county seat, is a flourishing town, situated on the Norfolk and 
Western railroad, with a population of about 3,500. Bufordsville, at Buford's 
•Gap, in the Blue Ridge, through which the N. and W. R. R. passes, is a village 
much patronized by summer visitors. 

The county is susceptible of great development, and has received quite a large 
influx of new settlers from England and elsewhere. 

CULPEPER. 

Culpeper county is not wholly a Piedmont county. The lower portion runs 
down into Middle Virginia ; hence its surface is less rugged than some of the other 
Piedmont counties. 

Its area is 232,545 acres, assessed at $2,402,297. Of this area 30 per cent, is 
woodland. 

This county was the camping-ground of both armies for much of the civil-war 
period, and was therefore denuded of much of its wood ; but so rapid has been 
the second growth that the destructive effects of the war are scarcely visible at this 
time. 

The soil in the upper portion is red — or chocolate-colored — in the lower portion 
gray. 

The county is watered by the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers and their trib- 
utaries, which afford fine sites for mills, &c. 

The Virginia Midland railroad traverses the county from northeast to southwest. 
Culpeper— the county-seat— is on this road. It is a town of 2,100 inhabitants, 
and enjoys a good trade with the surrounding country. It is one of the most 
thrifty towns in the^ State. 

Stevensburg is a village near Brandy station. 

The minerals of this county are gold-bearing quartz, copper, iron ore, mica, 

4&C., &c. 

There are a number of factories in the county— a; chair factory near Culpeper, 
plow-beam and barrel-stave factory near Stevensburg ; also factory for spools 
and shuttle blocks ; another for same near Cedar Run battle-field. 

In " The Virginias^'' of August, 1882, Major Hotchkiss says: "We would like 
to have some of ' forest-wise ' people, who are croaking about the destruction of 
our forests, and predicting that we will have a treeless country in a short time, ' 
see how rapidly and beautifully Culpeper and other counties along the Va. Mid- 
land, that were almost deforested during the late war by the great armies that 
camped and wintered there, are now becoming afforested iu half a generation . 
We noticed a fe\y days ago fuel and fencing being cut where Meade's army burned 
up every tree in 1863-4." 

\ 



72 HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 



CULPEPEE MINERALS AT TIJE NEW OBIiEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Gold-Bearing Quariz, from "Culpeper " Mine, Major C. Knapp. 

2. Gold-Bearing Quartz, from Richardsville, W. B. Love. 

3. Gold-Bearing Quartz, from " Ellis " Mine. 

4. Gold-Bearing Quartz, from Culpeper Gold-Mine, eighteen miles west from: 
Fredericksburg. 

From Va. Midland Railway exhibit. 

1. Copper and Iron Ores, from Major E. B. Hill, one mile from Culpeper sta- 
tion. 

2. Iron Ore, from W. S. Wallace, seven miles from Brandy station. 



FAUQUIER 

was formed in 1759 from Prince William. Its length is 45 miles ; mean breatdth, 
16 miles. The surface is gently rolling, and in some parts hilly. The hill lands 
have a red clay soil ; the level lands are mainly gray sandstone. The lands are 
fertile, andjproduce fine crops of corn, wheat, oats, rye and grass. It is watered 
by the^Rappahannock, Occoquan, and numerous creeks throughout its entire sur- 
face, f urnishingimany eligible sites for mills and manufacturing purposes. The 
timber is oak, hickory, chestnut, walnut, poplar, locust, ash, cherry, cedar, syca- 
more, sassafras, elm, gum, mulberry, dogwood and pine. The population is 23,271. 
Number of acres of land, 414,402, assessed at $7,698,486. The productions of the 
county furnish a large surplus for market. This is one of the healthiest and most 
prosperous counties in the State. The Virginia Midland railroad, the main stem, 
the Manassas branch, and the Warrenton branch, penetrating this beautiful and 
fertile county in various directions, give it excellent market facilities. 

Fauquier has gold, iron ore, marble and asbestos. Mr. J. B. Beverly, Jr., and 
Mr. J. C. Little, in interesting letters, state that there are found in the county 
iron ores in the form of specular, limonite, ilmenite, pyrites ; also copper pyrites. 
Limestone, as marble, near, the " Plains " station. This marble is very compact, 
close grained, gray and white. Also, barytes of excellent quality. There are 
several marble quarries in the county ; and gold is also mined in the southern 
part of the county : it is in the form of sulphuret. 

The Rappahannock river forms its southern boundary, and seperates it from 
Culpeper and Rappahannock counties. This is a large and wealthy county, and 
has among its farmers some of the most successful and prosperous in the State. 
The cereals and grass, with horses, sheep and cattle, constitute the main products. 
Cattle fattened upon the blue grass lands of Fauquier, are in great request in the 
markets of Washington, Baltimore and the great cities further north, and have 
baen largely shipped to Europe of late years. 

Warrenton is the chief town and county seat, and is the centre of a refined and 
intelligent community. It has a population of more than 1500, and has numer- 
ous churches and schools. Near by is the Warrenton White Sulphur Springs, a 
popular resort for pleasure and health. 

Fauquier ranks high as regards quality of soil, beauty of scenery, healthf ulness 
and general prosperity. In its borders are thirteen railroad stations, a number of 
which are flourishing towns or villages. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 73 



FAUQUIER MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Ir9n Ore^ from Henry Serapers. 

2. Syenite, rough block, from Alf. Chappelear. 

3. Feldspar or Kaolin, from Wm. E. Gaskins, two miles from Warrenton. 

4. C0pper Ore, from "Sealock" mine. 

FRANKLIN 

was formed in 1784 from Henry and Bedford. It is 30 miles long and about 20 
miles wide. The Roanoko (there called "Staunton") river runs on its northeast 
border, and the county is intersected by numerous creeks. The surface is rolling, 
as in the Piedmont counties generally. The soil is very fertile, and produces 
large crops of tobacco, corn, wheat, hay, and oats. The population is 24,953.. 
This is a very healthy county. Good land can be bought at $4 to $10 per acre. 
(This estimate was made several years ago, before the railroad to Rocky Mount 
opened up the county to the markets of Danville, Lynchburg and other cities.) 
Franklin contains 435,175 acres, assessed at $1,822,342. 

This county, as is all of Piedmont, is an excellent fruit region, particularly 
adapted to apples and grapes ; and it is also a good grass and stock-raising county. 
The minerals are iron, limestone, mica, asbestos, granite, and soapstone. The 
Franklin and Pittsylvania railway has been recently completed from Elba, ne&r 
Ward's Springs, in Pittsylvania county, on the Midland railroad, to Rocky Mount, 
the county seat, near the centre of the county. This relieves the farmers of 
Franklin of a long and costly cartage of their produce, and mast greatly enhance 
the value of property. It has given a good impetus to the development of the 
valuable iron ores found here, as well as to that of the agricultural resources of 
this fertile county. 

FRANKLIN CX)UNTY MINERALS AT NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Asbestos, from Capt. F. J. Chapman. 

2. Allanite, from McMannaway Mountain, 6 miles from N. & W. railroad. 

3. Magnetic Iron Ore, from Rocky Mount Mines, F. J. Chapman. 

4. Magnetic Iron Ore, from Rocky Mount. 

5. Magnetite, from " Franklin " mine, 1^ miles northwest from Rocky Mount. 

6. Magnetite, from Capt. C. J. Saunders' mine, 11 miles southwest from Rocky 
Mount. 

7. Granite, from W. C. Smithers' quarry, 1 mile northwest from Rocky Mount. 

GREENE 

lies northeast of Albemarle ; its northwest boundary the crest of the Blue Ridge 
which separates it from Rockingham, in the Shenandoah Valley. Its population 
in 1880 was 5,528. It contains 107,584 acres, assessed at $581,609— about $5 per 
acre ; about 42 per cent, of this is woodlaad. Much of surface is mountainous 
or semi-mountainous, but the less broken portions are fertile. It is watered by 
the Rapidan river and its tributaries, and the headwaters of the Rivanna river. 
Stock, especially sheep, are profitably raised in this county. 

The minerals found are syenite, copper, malachite and azurite and iron ore. 
Having no railroad for transportation of its products, these ores are not developed 



74 ' hand-book: of Virginia. 

as they might be. The Virginia Midland railrcad runs within a few miles of the 
eastern border of the county. , 

Stanardsville is the county seat — a small village. With cheap lands and a 
healthfal and pleasant climate, Greene county offers good inducements to settlers 
from other parts of the country. Good farms with improvements can now be. 
bought for $15 per acre, and unimproved lands $1.5,6 to. $8., per acre, but will 
rapidly rise in price when penetrated by a railroad. 

HENRY 

was formed from Pittsylvania in 1776. It is nearly a square of 18 miles, and con- 
tains 241,700 acres, assessed at $1,047,000. The surface is undulating — in parts 
billy, and there are some considerable mountains. Smith's river flows through the 
middle of the county and " Mayo" through the southwest — these, with their nu- 
merous branches, afford ample water-power. 

The soil of Henry is very fertile, and the climate salubrious. A correspondent 
well says : "In this county we have comparatively warm winters and cool sum- 
mers; and there is scarcely a county in the State freer from malaria than this. 
Perennial creeks of fine freestone water ai-e found in all parts." 

This is a fine grass county. Clover, blue grass, timothy, orchard, Randall, tall 
meadow oat grass, and red-top, all grow remarkably well here, as do all the 
cereals grown in Virginia. 

•The tobacco of Henry is celebrated for its fine quality, and the production is 
rapidly increasing. 

The grape is at home here, as are the apple, peach, nectarine, almond, (2) apri- 
cot and fig. 

"The calycanthus grows wild in the sheltered dales of this picturesque region.'' 

" Sweet potatoes do well here. From two to three hundred bushels can be 
raised per acre under good cultivation ; in fine," as our correspondent well says, 
" God has blessed this county with every advantage of fertile land and salubrious 
climate, and all that is necessary to succeed is to trust in God, speed the plow, 
use commendable economy and cultivate the land in a manner commensurate 
with its great natural advantages." 

Since the Danville and New River railroad was constructed through Henry, the 
town of Martinsvile, the county seat, has grown with phenomenal rapidity. 
Within five years it has increased from a population of three hundred to about 
two thousand at the present time. It is a live town, having ten tobacco factories 
and nearly a half million of dollars invested in manufacturing enterprises of 
various sorts, as iron foundries, machine shops, &c. 

Iron ore in immense beds, mica, soapstone, chalybeate and alum water are 
lound in Henry. 

HENRY COUNTY MINERALS AT NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Virginia Department Agriculture : 

1. Garnets, common. 

2. Quartz crystals, a group of. 

3. Garnets, in gneiss. 

4. Magnetite, from A. N. Price. 

5. Tourmaline, from A. N. Price. * 
•6. Mica, sheets of . 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 75 

7. Quartz Crystals, peculiar group. 

The following were collected by Mr. E. D. Frazer : 

8. Hematite Iron Ore, from "Gravely" property, one mile west from Axton 
station, Danville and New River railroad. 

9. Magnetic Iron Ore, from "E. Davis" property, hear same locality. 
10. Magnetic Iron Ore, from "Lucy Davis" property, near same locality. 
1-1. Magnetic Iron Ore, from " H. P. Davis " property, near aame locality. 

12. Magnetic Iron Ore, from " McDonald" property, near same locality. 

13. Mineral, from "Kog^" pjroperty, one mile east from Bull Run, ten miles 
west from Spencer station, Danville and New River railroad. 

14. Mineral, from same locality as above. 

15. Steatite, from "Gravely" quarry, 2 miles west from Axton station. 

16. Steatite, from " Barker" quarry, 2 miles east from Axton station. 

LOUDOUN 

was formed in 1757 from Fairfax. It is the northernmost of the Piedmont coun- 
ties ; separated from Maryland by the Potomac river, and by the Blue Ridge from 
Jefferson county, West Virginia, and from Clarke county, Virginia ; Fauquier and 
Prince William adjoin it on the south and Fairfax on the east. 

Within these limits are included 322,395 acres of the finest land to be found in 
any one county in the State, and it is assessed accordingly at an average of $30.60 
per acre, which is considerably higher than that of any other county. 

The surface of Loudoun is varied with mountains, gently sweeping hills and 
broad valleys, of which the greater part is exceedingly fertile, yielding immense 
crops of corn, wheat, hay and oats, and supporting great herds of fine cattle and 
flocks of sheep. Much attention has been paid to improving breeds of horses, 
cattle and sheep by tfee wealthy and intelligent farmers of Loudoun. 

The Washington, Ohio and Western railroad, which traverses this county, divid- 
ing it almost equally, furnishes an outlet for the immense exports of cattle, grain 
and hay sent from the central portions of Loudoun, and the northern edge of the 
county is in easy communication with the Washington branch of the Baltimore 
and Ohio railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, just across the Potomac. 

Population, 23,741. 

Leesburg, a fine old town, is the county seat. It has a population of about 
2,000. 

A good deal of money from abroad has been invested here, but the high price 
of land has kept out much increase of population by immigration. 

The mineral wealth of this county is very considerable — iron, copper, silver, ba^ 
rytes and marble — of which the Ipllowing specimens were exhibited at the World's 
Exposition at New Orleans : 

1. Specular Iron Ore, from near Leesburg, said to be in quantity, from Prof. 
Fontaine, 

2. CJialcopyrite, from near Leesburg, said to be a promising vein, from Prof. 
Fontaine. 

The following were contributed by the "Eagle Mining Company," of Lees- 
Iturg, F. A. Wise, general manager : 

1. Carbonate of Copper, from vein 3^ wide, developed to 25^ deep. Assays by 
Oxford Copper Company of New York, give 51 per cent, of copper and 27 ounces 
of silver per ton. 



76 HAND BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

2. Sulphuret of Copper, from vein 10^^ wide, developed to 50^ deep. Assays by 
Oxford Copper Company of New York, give 12^ per cent, of copper. 

3. Iron Ore, from vein 4^ wide and 50^ deep. Yields 55 per cent, metallic iron 
by assay of W. P. Lawver, of U. S. Mint. 

4. Sulphuret of Copper, from vein developed 50\ Yields 11 per cent, of copper 
and 1 ounce of silver per ton by assay of W. P. Lawver, of U. S. Mint. 

5. Carbonate of Copper, red oxide and glance, from vein 3^ wide, developed to 
25^ deep. Yields 50 per cent, metallic copper and 27 ounces silver per ton by as- 
says. 

6. Iron Ore, from vein 2^ to 4^ wide, deyeloped 50\ Yields 55 per cent, metal- 
lic iron. 

7. Oxide of Copper, from carbonate vein, developed 60"^ on 4^ wide vein ; 25^ 
deep. 

8. SulpJiuret of Copper, from vein 8^^ to 15^'' wide, developed 50''. 

9. Iron Ore. 

10. Barytes, heavy spar, vein undeveloped. 

11. Iron Ore, from SO'' level of Eagle Mining Company's shaft. 

12. Marble, from quarry of "Virginia Marble Company," three miles east from 
Middleburg. The deposit has been demonstrated to be of great extent ; the mar- 
ble has been pronounced of a very superior quality. Contributed by Major B. P. 
Noland. 

13. Marble, from same as above. 

14. Marble, from same as above. 

17. Copper Ore, James Pinkham, from Va. Dept. Agriculture. 

MADISON 

was formed in 1792 from Culpeper. It is about 33 miles long, and contains 212,000 
acres of land, assessed at $1,720,200. This is an excellent grass and grain-pro 
ducing county. Besides being admirably adapted to fruit and grape culture, and 
fine tobacco, and containing vahiable mineral deposits, as will be seen from the 
following geological and general sketch of the county by A. G. Grinnan, Esq. — 
a description so good that it is given unabridged : 

"The nature of soils is largely controlled by geological formations, and this is 
well shown in Madison county. 

"An arm of the large secondary formation of the triassic period, which extends 
from the Rapidan river, through Culpeper county and other counties to the Po^ 
tomac river, extends across the southeastern part of the county, crossing the 
Eobertson river above its mouth, and having a width of one or two miles, where 
the formation is a red or chocolate colored shale, the super-imposed soil is of ex- 
cellent quality, producing fine crops of wheat, corn and grass. Where grey sand- 
stone predominates the soil is of medium fertility, but easily improved. 

"It has been recently stated by high authority that soils of similar secondary 
measures in other parts of Virgmia have been found eminently adapted to the 
growth of high grade tobacco. 

•' Between this secondary deposit and the Rapidan river the underlying rocks fOj. 
twelve or more miles are mostly epidote and greenstone, similar to those of the 
adjacent Southwest mountain range of Orange county, the decomposition o* 
which furnish potash and lime. The Madison lands adjacent to Orange county 
appear to be of better quality, owing to some admixture of sand from the adja- 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 77 

cent sandstone belt, and furnish in many places soils remarkably well adapted to 
the culture of grapes, and particularly of the valuable Catawba grape, which it 
is difficult to raise in many sections. 

" The portion of the county lying between the secondary deposits and the region 
adjacent to the foot-hills of the Blue Eidge mountains is underlaid with gneissoid 
sandstone, decomposing granites and metamorphic strata, all azoic, and furnish- 
ing in disintegration but little lime and potash or other mineral ingredient of 
value ; and the soil, excepting upon the streams, is of medium quality, gray or 
red color, but readily improved. Adjacent to the foot-hills of the Blue Ridge the 
country rocks show marks of the metamorphic or igneous action accompanying the 
elevation of the Blue Ridge, and produce fertile soils. The slopes of the moun- 
tains grow excellent tobacco, potatoes, and rye. The Blue Ridge extends along 
the entire northwest border of the county, throwing out long spurs, some of which 
nearly attain the height of the parent Eidge — whose highest point in the county 
is 3,860 feet above sea level. Other points reach 3,600 and 3,400 feet. Average 
elevation of the Blue Ridge about 3,000 feet. Its top and more elevated slopes 
furnish excellent grazing when cleared, where cattle thrive well, owing to lower 
temperature and freedom from annoyance from insects. 

" The lower parts of the mountains and the numerous and beautiful valleys and 
glens are eminently adapted to the growth of grapes, apples, and other fruits, 
where the elevation exceeds 500 feet above sea, and does not exceed 1,500 feet, 
for in this range of elevation are places where dew and frost are not often seeiji, 
and late frost rarely ever injures fruit. No section of Virginia is better adapted 
to the growth of pippins and other valuable apples. 

" The value of lands along the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge, not exceeding 
1,500 feet elevation, for fruit raising, does not seem to be properly appreciated 
when we consider that from absence of late frosts in many places, there is almost 
uniform success with proper attention. 

" Upon the rivers and creeks in the county are numerous bodies of very rich lands 
— the largest of thesa is on the Robertson river near Madison Courthouse, where 
there are about 1,400 acres in one bottom, mostly very fertile — evidently once the 
bottom of a lake. 

MINERALS. 

"A large vein of impure graphite crosses the eastern part of the county from the 
late George W. Clark's farm to the Bond farm on the Rapidan, northwest of Lib- 
erty Mills. It makes an excellent fire-proof paint, and very durable crucibles; a 
vein of yellow ochre accompanies it. Near it runs a large ledge of coarse steatite, 
which makes hearths and fire-places capable of resisting injury from heat. Occa- 
sionally bodies of hematite iron ore are developed along the line of these minerals. 
North of this, gneissoid sandstone furnishes excellent building stone. 

" On the head waters of the Rapidan and Robertson rivers are large seams of 
magnetic and specular iron ores. Sulphurets of copper are found in very smaU 
quantities. The seams of red oxide and native copper appear to be large at some 
points. They are associated with epidote quartz and greenstone. One vein on Stony 
Man mountain, worked many years ago, has an apparent width of fifteen feet, 
ores averaging six or seven per cent, of metal. On the Hawksbill mountain^ a 
seam which has not been explored, can be traced by outcrop of the ledge for over 
half a mile. These ores (if native copper can be called an ore) are found in seve- 
ral other localities, and, with the Shenandoah Valley railroad, now built a few 
miles to the west of the Blue Ridge, furnishing convenient transportation, it is 



78 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

hoped that capitalists will soon develop these mineral deposits, one of which Sil- 
liman, Shepherd and other noted mineralogists have declared to have great value. 

" The extreme range of the thermometer during the past twenty-five years is 
from sixteen degrees below zero in winter up to ninety-seven degrees in the 
shade in summer. More generally there is merely sufficient cold weather to furnish 
ice, and the summers are pleasant, with a bracing air. Malarial diseases are rarely 
ever seen. All the conditions favorable to longevity prevail. 

" The mean temperature of springs taken in June in the southeastern part of the 
county is 58^° Fahrenheit, and probably the average of the county would 
be fifty seven and a half degrees — the springs near the mountains being colder. 
As the temperature of springs about corresponds with the yearly mean tempera- 
ture, we may safely put the average for the county at fifty-eight degrees, whieh 
is the mean for Marseilles, in France, and Madrid, in Spain, and also that of 
North Carolina." 

The Virginia Midland railroad passes near the eastern border of the county, and 
the Chesapeake and Ohio near the southern line, and the Shenandoah Valley, as 
stated, is near the western border of the county. 

MADISON COUNTY MINERALS AT NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Professor Fontaine. 

1. Mica-schist, from near Madison Courthouse ; in large quantities — a good 
building stone. 

2. Diorite. Occurs in heavy masses with the next. 

3. Diorite, from an immense dyke, seemingly 1,000 feet wide, in 6 feet of Blue 
Eidge, on Milan Gap road. 

4. Metamorphic Diorite, from ledge 2^ miles west from C. H., on Milan Gap 
road. 

5. Variety of Syenite, that occurs with UnaJdte at Milan Ga-p of Blue Ridge. 

6. Varietg of Syenite, that occurs with Unakite at Milan Gap of Blue Ridge. 

7. Unakite, occurs in Syenite on top of Blue Ridge at Milan Gap. 

8. Unakite — same place as above. 

9. Magnetic Iron Ore, from F. H. Hill, C. H., from Virginia Department of 
Agriculture. 

NELSON 

is quite a compact county, lying between the Blue Ridge and James river, and 
Albemarle and Amherst counties. It is generally hilly and broken , especially in the 
border next to the Blue Ridge. On the opposite border the lands are undulating 
and on James river and the other streams they are alluvial and very riclit s. I 
area is 301,694 acres, valued at $2,057,714; of this 47 per cent, is woodland. The 
soil is originally good — mostly red loam, or gray, with red clay subsoil. With a 
good rotation of crops, free use use of grasses and sheep husbandry on the most 
broken parts, it would afford a fine field for profitable industry. The lands are 
especially adapted to growing apples and pears. Here, too, are found most 
eligible locations for vineyards. 

The county is well watered, having the James washing its whole southern 
border, besides the Tye, Rockfish and their tributaries. These, with the James, 
along which are numerous solid masonry dams, formerly used by the old Canal 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 7^ 

company, aflford an extraordinary amount of water-power, some of the sites 
possessing advantages equal to any in the State. Only a few of these are at pres- 
ent utilized. The minerals of the county are manganese, largely mined at Mid- ■ 
way Mills and Warminster (from time to time), rutile, copper (green and blue car- 
bonattes), garnet, ochre, kaolin (in immense beds), iron, hematite, specular and 
magnetic. The Greenway mines have been largely worked and the ore analyzed 
65.14 metallic iron, 0.029 phosphorus. Hematite at " Sleepy Hollow Mines " ana- 
lyzed 53 per cent, metallic iron. These metallic resources are destined to large 
developments under more favorable auspices than now exist. 

The country is penetrated by the Virginia Midland railroad running through its 
whole width, and the Richmond and Alleghany railroad skirts its entire river 
border. 

Lovingston, a small town near the centre, is the county seat. ISTew Market, 
at the mouth of Tye river, is a small village. 

This county oifers a finie field for new settlers and investment of capital. The 
Richmond and Alleghany railroad company offers special inducements to those 
who buy and settle along its line. 

NELSON COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Marganese^ from Cabell mine, near Warminster, R. & A. R. R. 

2. Limonite, brown iron ore, from Sleepy Hollow mine, two miles from Nor- 
wood, R. & A. R. R. 

3. Trap-rock, from dyke, one mile above Norwood. 

4. Mica-schist, from Combined Lock station, R. & A. R. R. 

5. Quartz and Feldspar, from same locality as above. 

6. Magnetite, magnetic and specular iron ore, from mine near Greenway ; a 
steel ore that has been shipped to Pittsburg. 

7. Tufaceous Quartz, ixova Greenway. 

8. Magnetite, magnetic and specular iron ore, Mundy's mine, near Allen's 
creek. R. & A. R. R. 

9. Specular Iron Ore, from Wheatland mine, near Riverville, R. & A. R. R. 

From Prof. Fontaine. 

10. Magnetic Iron Ore, from Moores nearFaber station, Va. Mid. R. R. 

11. Manganese Oxide, from Simpson's mine Midway FaUs. 

12. Hornblende and Garnet, in quartzose rock near Faber Mills. 

13. Butile, occurs in gneiss, often in large masses. 

14. Kaolin, from Dr. J. H. Shelton, from Va. Dept. of Ag. 

15. Ochrous Clay, from James Miller. 

16. Copper Ore, green and blue carbonate, &c., from Rawlings and Armentrout 
Stafunton. 

From the Virginia Midland Railway exhibit. 

I.Iron Ore, from near Faber station. 

2. Kaolin, from eignt miles from Arringtoa,sta,tion. 



so HAND-BOOK OP VIEGINIA. 



OEANGE 

was formed in 1734 from Spotsylvania. Its greatest length is 88 miles ; the width 
varies from 5 to 14 miles. 

Population, 13,993 ; area, 213,326 acres, valued at $2,283,284. 

It is abundantly watered by the Eapidan and North Anna rivers and their trib- 
utaries. 

The surface in the eastern part is beautifully undulating; the central and west- 
ern portions have hills and mountains of gentle elevation, covered to their tops 
with forests of valuable timber, and farms of unsurpassed beauty and productive- 
ness. 

The soil is mostly a dark red clay formed from ferruginous and calcareous rocks, 
and is very fertile ; producing large crops of grain and grass, and some tobacco. 
As a grass-growing and grazing county, this should yield precedence to no other. 

The rearing of thoroughbred stock is extensively carried on by careful and in- 
telligent farmers. 

The average assessed value of land in this county is $10.70 per acre, but the im- 
proved farms command prices several times greater than that. 

The railway facilities are excellent, and are furnished by the Chesapeake and 
Ohio, Va. Midland, and Orange and Fredericksburg railroads, which are located 
in such a manner that all parts of the county are convenient to one or another of 
them. 

Gordonsville, near where this county corners with Louisa and Albemarle, at the 
junction of the Chesapeake and Ohio and one branch of the Va. Midland road, is 
the largest town. Orange, the county-seat, is a small town on the Va. Midland, 
at the point of junction of the Fredericksburg Narrow-Gauge road. 

The timber consists of large growths of the various kinds of oak, of hickory 
pine, chestnut, poplar and sycamore. 

Iron ores, red and brown hematite, and magnetic iron ores are abundant and 
rich. Limestone, some of it hydraulic, and marble are found at the base of the 
Southwest Mountains. Gold-bearing quartz, asbestos and fire-clay are found in 
Orange. 

ORANGE COUNTY MINEKAIiS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Collection of the Va. Midland Eailway : 

1. Iron Ore, from Madison Station, from W. P. Hicks. 

2. Iron Ore, from same locality, from Reid & Wallace. 

3. Terra Cotta Ulay, from same locality, from Reid & Wallace. 

4. Yellow Ochre, Iron Paint, from same locality, from Reid & Wallace. 

5. Iron Ore, from "Falkner " land, one mile from Madison Station, from Glass 
&Co. 

6. Iron Ore, from "Taylor" Mine, near Courthouse, from Ben Rawlings. 

From the Va. Department of Agriculture : 

1. Bed Iron Ore, micaceous, from J. C. Harrison, Barboursville. 

2. Bed Iron Ore, from H. C. Baker. 

3. Brown Iron Ore, from Erasmus Taylor, 

4. Slate, from Erasmus Taylor. 



hand-book: of Virginia. 81 



PATRICK. 

This is the extreme southeastern county of the Piedmont section. It borders 
on the North Carolina line, being separated from it by the Dan river. Until 
very recently it was cut off from the world, having no means of communication, 
except the ordinary dirt road. Its area is 277,219 acres, assessed at $934,944. 
This low price is due to the cause above alhided to and to the fact that 63 per 
cent, of the land is woodland. Large tracts have never been settled up. 

The lands are watered by Smith's river, a large tributary to the Dan, and other 
streams. A part of this county is hil)y or semi-mountain?, but there is a large 
plateau, called "The Meadows of Dan," which is well adapted to grass. 
. The timber of this coancy is very abundant, and of fine quality. The county is 
also famous for the apples, and the abundance of small fruits which grow wild. 

The minerals are iron of the finest quality — lead and silver. During the war 
this iron was worked by the Confederatv3 Government. 

Very recently the Danville and New River railroad (JST. G-.) has been completed 
to Taylorsville, the county seat. This is the only village of note in the county. 

This county offers the greatest inducements to settlers on account of cheap 
lands and probable rapid growth. Large bodies of land can be bought at low 
figures. 

PATRICK COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

1. Hornblende. 

2. Magnetic Iron Ore, from Judge Lybrook. 

3. Copper Ore, low grade. 

4. Steatite. 

5. Mica. 

6. Limonite. 

The following were collected by Mr. E. D. Frazer. 

7. Magnetic, from *' Floyd mine." 

8. Hematite, from " Moris mine." 

9. Hematite, '■'Nowlin " mine. 

10. Magnetite, from Barksdale furnace property. 

11. Magnetite, from same locality. 

12. Magnetite, from '"Hairston" mines. 
Id. Magnetite, from Forley mines. 

RAPPAHANNOCK. 

This county lies on the Upper Rappahannock river, which divides it from Fau- 
quier county. Its surface is high and hilly, but is fine grazing land. Its area is 
170,770 acres, of which 31 per cent, is woodland, assessed at $1,749,607, a high 
average considering that no railroad or public transportation is found in the 
county. 

It is well watered by the Rappahannock river and its tributaries. 
6 



82 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

Washington, its county seat, is near the centre of the county. Besides this 
there are Flint Hill, Woodville, Sperryville and Amissville. At the latter place 
there is a large tannery. Many fine cattle and horses are carried to market from 
this county. 

Efforts have been made to construct a railroad into this county by a branch road 
from the Virginia Midland at Warrenton or Culpeper, which will doubless be done 
before long. 

Although off the railroad, this fine county offers great inducements to settlers 
in its fine lands, salubrious climate and beautiful scenery, and the grazier is prac- 
tically not far from the great markets of the country. 



HAND-BOOK OP VIEGINIA. 83 



SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 



THE VALLEY 

is a portion of the great 'Central Appalachiau Valley that extends for hundreds 
of miles, from Canada to Alabama — a broad belt of rolling country, enclosed be- 
tween lofty mountain ranges, diversified by hills and valleys, with many winding 
streams of water — the Blue Eidge on the east and the Kittatinny or Endless 
mountains on the west. This is a region of limestone rock, shales, slates and 
clays. 

The lowest point of the Shenandoah Valley is at Harper's Ferry, in (now) West 
Virginia. The lowest or most northeastern county in Virginia is Frederick, the 
highest is Augusta, respectively 242 and 1,863 feet above tidetvater. The length 
of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia is 1l86 miles. 

In this space are seven counties. The lowest is Frederick, then Clarke, Shenan- 
doah, Warren, Page, Eockingham and Augusta. In the latter county are the 
head springs of the Shenandoah river. 

A large portion of the Valley was settled by Pennsylvania Germans in the early 
history of the State. These people brought with them theirjfrugal habits, their 
conservative systems and modes of farm management, which served to keep it 
what nature made it to be — one of the most desirable tracts of country in the 
United States. 

The Valley is the region of cambrian and lower Silurian rock? — Formations, I, 
II and III of Eogers or from Potsdam to Hudson river formations of New York 
inclusive — a country mainly of limestone, slate and shale rock, with a fertile soil 
and undulating surface. The section across the Valley through Staunton gives 
some thirty alternating bands of slates and limestones of various kinds, some 
magnesian, others silicious or rich carbonates; some compact, others flaggy or 
slaty, &c. Among these are beds of chert, iron ore, umber, &c. This formation 
extends northward, and forms the rich Cumberland, Lebanon, and other Valleys 
of Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys of 
New York and the Champlain VaUey of Vermont. Southwest it becomes the Val- 
ley of East Tennessee, and extends into Alabama, making a grand Central Valley 
some 1,500 miles in length, of unsurpassed fertility and productiveness. This 
formation underlies a large portion of Scotland, especially the southern and cen- 
tral parts ; much of the area of Wales, and large districts in the west, southwest 
and northwest of England. The most fertile portions of New York, Ohio, In- 
diana, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Missouri are also underlaid by this rock. 



84 HAND-BOOK OF VIE&INIA. 

Belonging to the Valley counties (the lines of which extend to the summit of Blue 
Eidge, and cross, often, several ranges of the mountains on the west) of course we 
have half of the summit, and all the western slope of the Blue Ridge, already- 
described. To it also, politically, will belong parts of the Upper Silurian and 
Devonian system, that are more specially referred to in the account of the Appa- 
lachian country. These form long ridges that rise up and run for great distances 
in the Valiey, like the Massanutton and other mountain ranges that divide 
-the great Valley lengthways into two parallel valleys. The rocks 
of the Valley generally dip both ways, to the southeast and to the northwest, 
making an anticlinal. The upturned edge of the rocks strikes or runs norttieast 
and southwest with the Valley, Fragments of the sub-carboniferous f ormatioa 
are found along the western margin of the Valley, sometimes containing beds of 
semi-anthracite coal. 

MINERALS. ' 

Iron ore, brown hematites, are found in "pockets " in all portions of the Val- 
jey. These can supply large quantities of fiue ores. Umber exists in many 
places. Ochre is worked successfully in Page county. In the mountain ranges 
that rise up in the Valley are very extensive beds of several varieties of iron 
ores. Tlie Valley limestone makes an excellent j^ua; for iron. The large deposits 
of pure kaolin in Augusta county, have been used in the manufacture of " stone 
china" and "Rockingham " wares, and is now made into pipes, tiles, &c. 

SOILS. 

The soils of the Valley are quite numerous ; they are generally called limestone 
soils, as this is a limestone region. The prevailmg soil is a stiflf, clayey loam-^a 
d'lrable and fertile soil, well adapted to the growth of grass and grain. In the 
slaty belts the admixture of the decomposed aluminous rocks makes a lighter and 
warmer soil. There are also belts of sandy or gravelly soil that are cold and 
require cultivation and fertilizing to mal:e them productive, but once redeemed 
they yield very well. Much of the larger portion of the Valley has naturally a 
good soil, rich in the elements of fertility. The soil, like the rock, runs in belts 
with the Valley, and the lean ones are the smaller number. The streams, as in 
all limestone regions, are winding, so there is here a considerable area of bot- 
tom lands, Washington said of this section that " in soil, climate and productions, 
in my opinion, it will be considered, if not considered so already, as the Garden of 
America." 

Here we find the natural blue-grass lands, the home of the stock-raiser and 
dairy-man ; the heavy clay lands, fat in fertilizing ingredients, always repaying 
the labor spent on them in crops of corn or other grain ; the light slaty lands 
famous for wheat crops ; the poorer ridge lands, where sheep rearing should be 
followed. 

TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. 

The Valley is well supplied with railway facilities — every county having one or 
more railroads. 

1st. The Valley Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad from Harper's Ferry 
(West Va.} traverses the whole length of Frederick, passing by Winchester, its 
chief town, then traverses Shenandoah county, forming a junction at Strasburg 



„ HAND-BOOK OF VIEGIlSnA. 85 

with the Manassas branch of the Virginia Midland railroad, then through Eock- 
ingham to Staunton, in Augusta, where it crosses the line of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railway running east and west, thence through Augusta to Lexington, in 
Rockbridge county, its present terminus. 

Parallel with this line the Shenandoah Valley railroad, from Hagerstown, Mary- 
land, runs throughout the whole Valley, striking Clarke county near Berryville, 
thence through Clarke and Warren. At Kiverton it intersects the Manassas 
branch of the Virginia Midland railway. Thence through Page, Eockingham 
and Augusta counties. In the latter it intersects the Chesapeake and Ohio rail- 
way at Waynesboro'. 

The latter railway traverses Augusta county from east to west, striking Staunton, 
its county seat arid the largest city of the Valley. 

It will thus appear that few sections have superior facilities for transportation 
of persons and property than this Valley. 

CITIES a:n'd towns. 

Staunton, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Woodstock and Berryville are the chief 
cities and towns in this part of the Valley. These wiU be described more par- 
ticularly uiider the head of the counties in which they lie. 

THE " VALLEY " COUNTIES, SOUTH OP AUGUSTA. 

The economic, as well as the scientific geology of the counties of "the Valley" 
here treated, present remarkable general similarity in the order of arrangement 
throughout ; but, the departures from absolute uniformity, are, however, in some 
localities, quite considerable. 

This series of unusually rich agricultural and mineral counties : Botetourt, Ro- 
anoke, Montgomery, Pulaski, Wythe, Smyth and Washington, with a small tri- 
angular piece of Scott county, extend from north of James river to the Tennessee 
State line. It is bounded southeast by the archsean and primordial rocks of the 
Blue Ridge and the more westerly limb of its bifurcation ; and on the northwest 
side are the Upper Silurian and Devonian rocks of the great North mountains, 
trending generally northeast and s(lbthwest, under such names as Gap and Walk- 
er's mountains, and for a part of the way the boundary is Clinch mountain, with 
the same formations. ^ 

The main central portion of the Valley is composed of Cambrian and Lower 
Silurian limestones, calcareous and ferriferous shales, &c., to the decomposition of 
which, in situ, '"■ the Valley " not only owes its great fertility as a grass and grain 
producing region, but some of its valuable beds of iron ores are thought to be thus 
derived. Then, this central limestone belt is flanked on the northwest by a not 
inconsiderable, and sometimes quite valuable, band of the earliest coal rocks, 
yielding here and there excellent semi-bituminous and semi-anthracite coals, in 
beds varying between 2 J and 20 feet in thickness— all in " the Valley." The grass 
that naturally coats the soils, when the timber is removed, is the famous "Ken- 
tucky Blue-Grass " (poa-pratensis) ; and when the land gets down somewhat, from 
over-cultivation, this is often replaced by another species of blue-grass (poa-com- 
pressa), more truly blue in appearance than the more valuable kind first men- 
tioned. 

The difierent §ub-divisions of geological formations are found in these counties 
to read in faulted sections ; beginning on the southeast in the later sub-epochs of 



86 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

the archaean age, and pursuing the reading northwest, over a great fault on the 
northern or northwestern side of the Valley, through a down throw of proto-car- 
boniferous rocks, to the Devonian and Upper Silurian of the great North moun- 
tains — in such order and with such modifications as may be shown later on. 

Those thrusts of pressure, evidently projected from southeast toward north- 
west, which were exerted in folding and faulting the earth's surface, throughout 
this region, so acted upon the Blue Ridge as to elevate that range, not only much 
higher at one time tiian it now is, but really overturned, some degrees beyond 
the perpendicular, much of its stratiScation ; so that we often see the Huronian 
rocks, which, theoretically belong nearer the heart, or toward the south slope of 
the mountain, pressed over with their valuable gold, tin, silver, copper, magnetic 
and specular iron ores, to the "• Valley " side of the mountain. Thus, in the 
south east of Botetourt, tin ores may yet be found, as they are now reported to 
have been discovered on Bent mountain, in Montgomery, and southwest side of 
Roanoke county. In Montgomery county, on Brush creek, gold has not only 
been found in that arm of the Blue Ridge, or Pilot mountain, but companies are 
now preparing to ere«t works for its reduction from the quart2, to which it has 
been traced. The gold bearing rocks must have been there indentified as being 
of greater thickness and persistency than was at first believed possible. This is 
also true of the region of Little River, somewhat farther southwest. It would 
not be surprising to hear of the discovery of tin and gold both, in the southern 
sides of Pulaski, Wythe, Smyth and Washington. These valuable Huro- 
nian strata, which also yield much valuable red iron ore, are succeeded, next, 
northwardly, by the Potsdam or Primordial rocks, which show the first positively 
ascertained evidences of organic life, in fossil remains of the Scolithus Linearis 
and certain ancient fucoids. In these rocks, which extend generally along the 
northern base of the Blue Ridge, in its straight continuations, are found, besides 
excellent glass sand, three or more of the most massive, persistent and valuable 
iron ore deposits ever found in Virginia. The ore is usually a Limonite, often 
largely mixed with specular ore and oxide of manganese, and found in quite ac- 
cessible bodies, measuring from 20 feet to 150 feet and more in thickness, be- 
tween their enclosing walls. From numerous openings on this line of deposits, 
in these counties, the ores have been largely mined and converted into iron at 
various furnaces. From both sides of the anticlinal ridge of Potsdam rocks in 
Botetourt county, lying between the Norfolk and Western and Shenandoah Val- 
ley railways, a large tonnage is annually removed from the Houston, Munford 
and other mines, and reduced in the Crozer furnace at Roanoke city. 

These vast lines of Potsdam ores make large exhibits on the southern side of 
Eoanoke county ; in;Montgomery county, on Bent mountain, Pilot mountain. Little 
river, &c.; in Pulaski county, on Laurel creek, at Radford furnace, Calfee's on 
New river, and at other pi aces ; in Wythe county, on the side of Poplar Camp 
mountain, on Francis Mill creek, where one deposit is over 100 feet between walls, 
and at numerous other places in Iron mountain, besides being found largely de- 
veloped on both [sides of Lick mountain, an anticlinal of Potsdam rocks in the 
centre of the county ; in Smyth county, at Alexander, Neitch, and Rowlands on 
spurs of Iron mountain, where it sometimes developes as a red iron ore of high 
grade, at Grose's and other places in Iron mountain, besides many extensive and 
valuable deposits in White Rock and Glade mountains in the middle of the county ; 
in Washington county, on spurs of Iron and Holston mountains, in extensive de- 
posits, sometimes accompanied with red hematite. 4 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. tt 

From numerous openings in all the places mentioned, Prof. A. S. McCreath^ 
chemist, and others have carefully selected and analyzed samples, from which it 
is inferred that the metallic iron in these Potsdam ores varies from 50 to 56 per 
cent.; silica, 3 to 10 per cent., and phosphorus, 0.138 and higher. 

Dr. Froehling, chemist, of Richmond, in those of Lick mountain, finds in seven 
samples an average of met. iron, 52.210 ; met. manganese, 1.491 ; phosphorus, 0.216 ; 
some phosphorus assays being as low as 0.039, the highest being 0.508 per cent. 
Much of the red iron ore found in the Potsdam rocks averages 56 per cent. met. 
iron and 0.040 phosphorus, particularly that in Smyth county. The manganese 
ore so far reported as accompanying these iron ore deposits is in veins or deposits 
of two to eight feet thickness, and much of it is of the standard percentage re- 
quired by commerce. It has been discovered in every county where Potsdam 
rocks are found. 

This great band of Potsdam or primordial rocks presenting its sometimes folded 
outcrop generally to view, on the western lower flank of the Blue Ridge, is the 
great floor or bed rock — the corner-stone, so to speak, of the great paleozoic 
series. Not far above it, in the order of natural superposition, is that equally 
valuable band of dolomitic limestones, some ledges of which yield the excellent 
cement of James river, and, farther southwest, the extraordinary deposits of lead 
and zinc ores, the floor and roof of which are composed of the famous bands of 
brown iron ores of the New River — Cripple Creek Basin, so much sought after for 
car wheel purposes. While all the Valley counties may, after exhaustive research, 
reveal the presence of these zinc and lead ores of No. 11, it is not until you 
reach Roanoke county that any appreciable thickness of them has been so far 
reported. Here, 3 miles south of Roanoke city, the analysis of Dr. Gascoyne, 
State chemist, reveals not only a high per centage of zinc and lead, in one small 
sample, but $15 in silver to the ton. 

Another sample sent west for assay returned $25.00 to the ton in silver. Then, 
again, in Montgomery county, it is found at Langhornes', above Big Spring and 
near the north flank of Pilot mountain (Blue Ridge, western limb) ; also at Cal- 
fees, near Little river. In Pulaski some of the rocks at Peppers' Ferr}'^ show it. 
At Calfees,' four miles below Reed Island creek, and on the opposite of New 
river, lower down, in a clifi". Then, proceeding southwest, these great measures 
not only spread out laterally, but thicken vertically, so thkt when you reach Bertha 
and Falling Cliff Zinc mines of Wythe county the deposit is at least 200 feet from 
floor to roof, and more than 1,800 feet wide — almost wholly a pure zinc ore, ex- 
isting as a silico-carbonate, from which a metal is made at the smelting works, 
now in operation at Pulaski station, N. & W. railroad, yielding the following, by 
the analysis of Dr. P. de P. Ricketts : Metallic zinc, 99.9629 ; iron, 0.0371 ; lead, 
none. Then, again, prominently at the old Wythe Lead and Zinc mines, on New 
river, same county, wtere it exists in beds of 50 feet thickness and over, as blende 
and galena, below the zone of decomposition. These latter works have been in 
operation since long before the War of Revolution — probably since about 1756 — 
supplying lead to the heroes of '76, and nine-tenths of that used by the Confed- 
erates in the late war. These mines have sold to reducing works, on the sea- 
board, over 30,000 tons of zinc silicates, carbonates and silico-carbonates of a 
high order of purity, and now manufacture into shot and pig-lead 1,500 to 2,000 
tons of lead annually. Then, again, a few miles farther southwest, same county, 
near Ivanhoe Furnace and Painters, the same extensive bands of zinc and lead 
exist, accompanied on one side with barytes. At other places, pursuing this basin of 
Cripple creek, southwest, these deposits are exposed in Wythe and Smyth coun- 



•88 HAND-BOOK OF VIBGINIA. 

ties — as at James', Wythe, and at Alexander, Neitch & Kowland's, in Smyth 
county, on Comers creek, besides Preston's and others ; and then becoming less 
in thickness, seem to disappear from the rocks in Washington county to make 
their appearance again in Tennessee. Nearly along with this great band of rocks, 
as at Mock's Mills, in Washington and other places, are deposits of handsome 
onyx-like travertine marble. 

With the vast deposits of lead and zinc, above described, there are much thicker 
bands of car- wheel iron ores just above and below them, showing their greatest 
development, in Pulaski and Wythe counties, so far as explored. In Wythe this 
whole stratification is over 900 feet thick, from floor to roof (ores and limestone 
occupying separate spaces in the same stratification) and spreads out over two and 
a half miles in width in the New river Cripple creek basin, the brown iron ores 
being accompanied with valuable quantities of magnetic shot ores and red hematites. 
It is upon this line of inexhaustible ores, extending from below the Clark Bank, 
in Pulaski, through Rich Hill and the intervening beds of Graham and Eobinson 
and others, in Wythe county, to the famous Cregger Bank, on Cripple creek an d 
above that point, that the twenty-one furnaces and forges of that region are 
built, where, it is now said, that by the use of coke as a fuel, iron can be made at 
$9.50 per ton, it being necessary to use there less than 500 pounds of limestone to 
the ton of metal produced. Farther southwest, in Smyth and Washington, these 
ores also show on south fork of Holston river, losing tliere in thickness, but 
changing to red hematites and semi-magnetites of a high order. 

As to a close chemical determination of these ores an average of seventeen sam- 
ples gave Prof. McCreath, metallic iron, 54.514; phosphorus, 0.106; siliceous mat- 
ter, 7.094 per cent. Other chemists, such as Dr. Drown, Dr. Froehling, and others, 
found many averages, some of which may be possibly just within the limits re- 
quired for Bessemer purposes. In a few instances, as with the assays of McCreath^ 
the ores of Rich Hill and Ivanhoe were found within the Bessemer standard. The 
Smyth and Washington county red hematites and semi-magnetites of this zone 
were found by assay to yield 60 per cent, of metallic iron and 0.049 phosphorus. 
^ Next in order, follow the great body of limestones of the " Valley " inter- 
stratified with sandstones, shales, slates, and thin beds of iron ores — the sand- 
stones, shales, «S;c., rarely ever assuming large dimensions, when compared with 
the limestones as a whole. This regularity of these bands is sometimes inter- 
rupted by the intrusion, from one side or the other, of the Valley's lateral or 
marginal rocks that belong higher or lower in the geological scale. In Botetourt 
and Roanoke, in the instances of Purgatory, Mill, Tinkers and Fort Lewis moun- 
tains, the great limestones of HI are out of sight beneath great cross flexures 
from the north side of immense bodies of rocks of the upper Silurian, Devonian, 
and proto-earboniferous periods, chiefly sandstones, slates, heavy bands of iron 
ores of V to VII (R), and beds of coal of a broken character, as that near Tin- 
ker's mountain. This is also true, in a measure, of Drapers mountain and the 
region just north of it, in Pulaski and Wythe counties, where the middle of the 
Valley is occupied by the rocks of V to Vfl (R), &c., and the region just north 
along Peak Creek, by proto-carboniferous strata, with really valuable coal veins. 
While in Wythe and Symth counties, over definite areas, the great Valley lime- 
stones are, on the contrary, protruded and lost by an up-throw of the great Pots- 
dam floor with its iron and marganese ores ; — as in the case in Lick mountain 
in Wythe, and Glade and other mountains in Smyth county. , 

With these general exceptions, the great Valley limestones are the marked geo- 
logical features of the "Valley." Occasionally they assume the character of 



HAXD-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 89 

marble ; again, they are so impregnated with magnesia as to become a source for 
the manufacture of hydraulic lime. From numerous samples carefully testeal by 
Prof. Wm. B. Eogers, he concluded that beds of magnesian limestones, suitable 
for making hydraulic lime or cement, exists in Botetourt, Roanoke, Montgomery, 
Wythe, Smyth and Washington ; and subsequent inspection proves their existence 
in all the Valley counties here treated. For cement purposes, the carbonate of 
magnesia should be found to exist in the stone as compared to carbonate of lime 
in a proportion of three to two. For a pure and good limestone, suitable for 
making a good quality of lime, probably the dark blue limestone, of which ther® 
is so much in all these counties, has no superior. It usually contains about 82 to 
85 per cent, of carbonate of lime according to Prof. Rogers, and yields 47 per 
cent, of lime, when properly burnt. There are many ledges of very dark lime- 
stone, passing near any of the courthouses, which are situated about the middle of 
the Valley, which, when polished, have the appearance of black marble of fine 
texture. 

In addition to these uses mentioned, the gray and darker limestone ledges of 
sufficient thickness, of which there are many, are employed universally in build- 
ing every description of masonry — houses, foundations, bridges, walls, &c. To 
all these valuable features must be added the many large and constant springs 
that flow from the limestone strata — many of them of a thermal character of ex- 
cellent merit. 

Then, as you enter the line of purely Trenton limestones, usually Just north- 
west of the middle of the Valley, there is a persistent ledge of chert in all the 
counties, which at intervals, presents to view large bodies of a semi-magnetic iron ore 
"of great purity and possible usefulness ; at several points in Botetourt, Roanoke 
(near Red Sulphur Springs), Montgomery, Wythe, Smyth and Washington (at Gal- 
lahers & Tilson's), yielding often over 60 per cent, of met. iron and about 0.038 
phosphorus. Alorg and near to these rocks are valuable and extensive deposits 
of barytes, found in large bodies in Smyth and other counties. 

Beyond this line northwest is a line of No. IV limestones, which yield excellent 
variegated marbles, and may be found in nearly all the counties where the order 
of position is not broken by cross flexures. •, 

In this line are large deposits also of brown iron ores ; and then as you approach 
the northern margin of the Valley, a fault occurs, which tyt^ipga a downthrow of 
sub-carboniferous rocks against the rocks just described. „ .,,, 

In fact, on that side, in all the southwestern counties, there is a much wired 
margin of sub-carboniferous rocks than had hitherto been accredited to the re- 
gion. • In this line of rocks, the coal just north of Catawba creek, in Botetourt, is 
found ; that in Roanoke, on Tinker's creek, and in Brushy, near Roanoke Red 
Sulphur Springs; in Montgomery county, at Prices mountain on both sides of the 
anticline, and in Brushy mountain, in deposits over 7 feet thick ; in Pulaski, at 
Tyler's Belle Hampton mine, at Altooua mines^ in two veins of 21-3 feet thick, 
and in much of that region in Pulaski, extending from Pulaski station, westwardly 
along the Norfolk and Western railroad to the Wythe county line, on both sides 
of the railroad. 

In Wythe county this coal exists in Little Brushy mountains, its entire length in 
the county, as at Stony Fork and other places, and comes up near Clark's Summit 
and Max Meadows in a repetition of the strata in valuable deposits. In Smyth 
county it is also observed on the north margin of both the great Valley and 
Holston valley, north of the gypsum beds. Overlying the coal beds, geologically, 
is a band of gray and red shales and sandstones separated from the coal by valu- 



90 HAND BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

ble deposits of iron ore, and over the red shales are limestones of some thickness^ 
in which are very extensive deposits of iron ores. The sandstones of this belt 
yield a ledge or two, excellent for building purposes ; being also soft in quarry 
are easily mined, while just under the coal is a band of excellent fire-proof sand- 
stones, proven good, also, in use, as grindstone grit. 

Along this general line (about the fault) are some of the great min- 
eral springs of these counties, such as : Botetourt springs, Eoanoke Red! 
Sulphur springs, Montgomery Yellow and White Sulphur springs, Chilhowie 
springs of Smyth, Washington springs near Glade spring and the Seven springs- 
of Washington county, from which is made the valuable Seven spring iron and 
alum mass ; Mangel's springs of Washington, and Holston springs of Scott 
county ; while Alleghany springs of Montgomery county are situated south of 
the great lead and zinc zone, and Daggers springs of Botetourt are in a line far 
to the north. 

Then, the last to be mentioned, but far from the least of the Valley's features^ 
are the gypsum and salt of the north fork of Holston river, in Smyth and Wash- 
ington counties. They lie along the north side of the great fault that marks the 
line of that fork of Holston river, and are really a part of the sub-carboniferous 
system of rocks. 

This massive deposit of gypsum, more than 600 feet thick, at Stuart and Bu- 
chanan's Cove, in Smyth county, shows conspicuously ; also, at the Pearson 
Beds and at Saltville, in Smyth county, and at Buena Vista, in Washington 
county. Many explorations and long continued examinations lead to the belief, 
at last, that these vast gypsum deposits, showing for about 20 miles length, really 
compose two or more regular strata of the sub-carboniferous rocks, and have a. 
width, exposed and concealed, of one mile or more from the fault northward. 
It has been mined to a depth of about 180 feet at Saltville and Buena Vista, and 
its general composition by analysis is as follows: Lime, 32.50; sulphuric acid, 
46.50, and water 20 50, showing traces of magnesia, alumina and iron. 

The rock at Saltville, possibly 200 feet thick by an unknown length, may have 
a different origin from that of the gypsum — possibly may be due to deposition in 
a secure basin, from brines flowing constantly from the salt-bearing groups of 
rocks known to bie in the sub-carboniferous series. The brines are of an unusual 
degree of purity ; have been drawn upon for many years by the salt works of 
Saltville, making over 500,000 bushels of salt annually, without any appreciable 
diminution of either strength or quantity. Railway communication is now by 
means of the Norfolk and Western railway — the upper or Buchanan and Pearson 
plaster deposits having railway communication. Altogether, "the Valley" pre- 
sents no more wonderful feature ! With unlimited basins of gypsum and salt,, 
inexhaustible deposits of iron, lead, zinc and coal, inconceivably vast ledges of 
limestone, whose unequal solubility here and there have resulted in caves of mar- 
velous beauty ; thermal and medicinal springs of high therapeutical and curative 
value ; an atmosphere of wonderful purity and power of invigoration, and a soil 
of great fertility, it may well anticipated that " TAe FaZZey," besides becoming 
the home of extensive and varied industries, will be a sanitarium more numerously 
attended in the future, and is now a granary of unlimited natural capacity. 

Before dismissing "the Valley Division," it may be well to call attention to its 
great capacity as a fruit producer. Its orchards and gardens show that all fruits 
common to this latitude not only flourish well, but yield largely, witli less average 
failures than is common in many other localities. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 91 



COUiNTIES OF THE GREAT VALLEY. 



NATURAL SUB-DIVISIONS. COUNTIES, 

f Frederick. 

Clarke. 
1 Warren. 
The Shenandoah Valley i Shenandoah, 

Page. 
I Rockingham, 
[Augusta. 

™ , n,^. ,-r -,-, /Rockbridge. 

The James River Valley | Botetourt. 

The Roanoke Valley JRoanoke. 

{Montgomery.. 
Pulaski. 
Wythe. 

The Holston or Tennessee Valley | yVashington, 



92 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



YALLEY BY COUNTIES. 



AUGUSTA 

is chief among the counties of the famous "Valley of Virginia," second in size, 
■containing more than a thousand square miles = 666,618 acres, assessed at $8,165,- 
143, and first in population, containing 34,645. The surface is uneven and moun" 
tainous on its east and west boundaries, which are respecti\ely the Blue Ridge 
and "Great North" mountains, an outlying range of the Appalachian chain. 
The valleys between these mountains are, extensive and very fertile, embracing 
the head waters of the Shenandoah river and that part of the " Valley of Vir- 
ginia " at its greatest width. It is about thirty-five miles long and thirty wide, 
with an undulating surface abounding in hills, fertile and well watered valleys, 
with fine water-power. 

Augusta has a variety of soils, producing wheat, corn, Oats, rye, barley, buck- 
wheat, potatoes, turnips, beets, &c. ; also the various grasses for hay and pasturage. 
This county is noted for its fine horses, fine cattle, hogs and sheep, the latter hav- 
ing greatly increased and improved since the enactment of " dog law" for their 
protection. This county is notable also for the number and excellence of its flour- 
ing mills, propelled by the finest water-power. 

There are many mineral springs of excellent water of their kinds, among them the 
Stribbling Springs, the Variety, Crawford, the Lone Fountain, Chalybeate, Lithia, 
&c., consisting of a great variety of waters much thought of by the people and 
much resorted to by strangers. Many minerals are found in this county, such as 
iron ore (brown hematite and specular), manganese in large quantities (which is 
mined), marble, kaolin, with a large "factory awaiting capital to operate it, and 
coal of an antliracite character.* 

There are six or more iron furnaces, besides a considerable number of forges, 
which have been operated in this county on the vast deposits of iron ores, and 
they are making iron cheaper than it can be made North and West. The various 
fruits of this section succeed admirably in this county. 

Timber : oaks of the several kinds, white oak being very abundant and of su- 
perior quality, hickory, chestnut, walnut, poplar, maple, beech, dog-wood, white- 
ash, locust, pine (white and yellow), cedar, &c. Tanner's bark may be had in 
large quantities, and staves, hoop-poles, &c. 

* Mr. Charles Grattan, Superintendent of Sctools, who has written me a very excellent descrip- 
tion of Augusta, and from which I have obtained some of the above information, says of this 
coal : "At Dora, where a shaft has been sunk, coal is talcen out not inferior to the best Pennsyl- 
■vania anthracite, is wagoned eighteen miles, and undersells the northern coal. There is no doabt 
North Mountain is full of it." I regret that want of space prevents me from publishing Mr. Grat- 
tan 's letter in full. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 93 

The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad passes through the county, and is intersected 
at Staunton by the Valley branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, connecting 
it with Baltimore in nine hours and with Washington in seven hours. And the 
macadamized "Valley Pike," an excellent road, gives ready communication to 
various markets east, west and north. The Shenandoah Valley railroad also 
passes through the county, crossing the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad at Waynes- 
boro'. Thus the county is traversed by three great lines of railroad, one from 
east to west and two from north to south. 

The capital or county seat of Augusta is Staunton. Here is the point of inter- 
section of two trunk lines of railroads, viz: The Chesapeake and Ohio and the 
Valley branch of Baltimore and Ohio railroads. Here are the Western Lunatic 
Asylum, and the Asylum for the Deaf. Dumb and Blind. Also four prosperous 
Female Colleges, viz : The Virginia Female Institute, (Episcopal) ; the Wes- 
leyan Female College, (Methodist) ; the Augusta Female Seminary, (Presbyte- 
rian) ; and the Staunton Female Seminary, (Lutheran). Here also are an iron 
foundry, wagon and implement factories, and numerous shops, «S;c. Banks, 
churches of all leading denominations. An annual Agricultural Fair is held here. 

There are many small towns and villages in the county. Waynesboro' at 
junction of the Shenandoah Valley and the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, is well 
situated. The county is well supplied with churches and schools. If Augusta 
county had the same density of population as Rhode Island, it would sustain 
272,000 people, and it is well able to do so. 

The people of Augusta are intelligent, industrious, thrifty, sober, economical, 
and homogeneous, being largely of Scotch-Irish parentage. ' ' ' 

Through the county stretches a band of magnesian limestone, and it is found 
near Wier's Cave, west of Waynesboro', northwest of Staunton, near the base of 
Little North mountain, and numerous other places. Its hydraulic character has 
been well tested. This cement has recently been found on the farm of John L . 
Peyton, and is pronounced by competent judges a flrst-class article. This lime- 
stone, from which Jiydraulic cement is made by burning, constitutes an important 
part of the formation of the Valley, both from its extent and economical value. 
It is usually of bluish gray, sometimes blended with yellew or brown, and some- 
times dark blue, but the best guide to its recognition is the dullness of the surface 
even when freshly broken, and the absence of fine grain of most limestones. 
Those in Augusta contain about from 44 to 53 per cent, of carbonate lime, and 33 
to 35 per cent, carbonate magnesia, and 2 to 7 of silica. The other constituents 
are generally alumina and oxide of iron in moderate proportions. A New York 
marble firm leased the Craigsville marble quarry in this county (encrinal mar- 
ble, now in much demand), and have worked it largely ; the deposit is believed to 
be inexhaustible. The marble is represented as being very superior, finishing up 
in beautiful style, being more durable and smoother than the Tennessee marble, 
and equal to much of the Italian marble which is used on the finest furniture. A 
quarry of superior slate has been opened north of Staunton. These slate quarries 
are largely worked now, and are turning out mantels, hearths, wainscoting, steps, 
&c. The farmers have a fine home market in the city of Staunton, with its nu- 
merous schools, manufactories, and the State institutions, which alone disburse 
$100,000 annually. 



94 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

Augusta county was represented at the New Orleans Exposition in her mineral 
resources by the following specimens : 

From Professor Fontaine. 

1. Brown Hematite Iron Ore^ from Kennedy tract, foot of Blue Kidge. 

2. Jointed Sandstone^ from Blue Ridge, near Black Rock spring. 

3. Ochre, from Samuel Steele's, near Fishersville, in large amounts. 

4. Mica Slate, with clorite spots, from west end of Rockfish Gap tunnel, in con- 
siderable amounts. 

5. Stalactitic Marble, from near Greenville. 

6. Quartz Crystals, from near Waynesboro'. 

7. Ochre, from Samuel Steele's, in large quantities. 

8. Manganese, from Fauver beds, 1| miles from Vesuvius station, Shenandoah 
Valley railroad. 

9. Brown Hematite Iron Ore, from same locality. 

10. Ochre, from Samuel Steele's, near Fishersville. 

11. Brown Iron Ore, limonite, fibrous, radiated; two lumps of 50 pounds each, 
from mine bank in Potsdam No. 1, near head of S. river of the James in 
Blue Ridge. 

12. Iron Ores, brown hematite and red shale, from mines of Buffalo Gap furnace. 

13. Pig Iron, from Buffalo Gap furnace. 

14. Limestone, Lower Helderberg No. VI, from quarry of Buffalo Gap furnace. 

15. Iron Ore, from banks in No. VII, Oriskany, that supplies Elizabeth fur- 
nace at Ferrol station, Chesapeake and Ohio railway. 

16. JAmestone, from No. VI, at Elizabeth furnace. 

17. Marble, polished slab and blocks, from quarry of Coral Marble Co., in 
Lower Helderberg No. VI, on Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, near Craigsville. 

18. Brown Iron Ore, from old Mossy Creek Mines, in formation No. II. 

19. Marble, encrinal, from land of Martin K. Garber, Marble Valley, Big Calf 
Pasture river. 

20. Manganese Ore, pyroiusite, mammillary fopms, from Crimora Mines. 
, 21. Brown Iron Ore, from Kennedy mine. 

22. Kaolin, washed China clay, from beds of Virginia China Clay and Fire 
Brick Co. 

23. Fire Bricks, of high grades, for all purposes, from above company. 

24. Iron Ore, from deposit in Valley limestone No. II. 

25. Stalactites and Stalagmites, Calcspar, encrusted articles, &c., &e., from 
Wiers' Ca^e. 

26. Tufaceous or Calcareous Marl, recent deposit from waters of Lewis creek, 
near Staunton, with cast of leaves now growing along the creek. 

27. Sand Bock, from No. IX Catskill, from summit of Mount Rogers 4500 feet 
above tide on line of Chesapeake and Ohio railway. 

28. Anthracite Coal, from Dora coal mine, from formation No. X. 

39. Slate, " slickeasided," or polished by friction of rocks in a great down throw 
o€ geological formations; from Dora coal mine. 
31. Two large Stalactites and one Stalagmite, from the Fountains Cave. 

31. Iron Ore, limonite, cubical, black, 12^^ by 16,^^ from Elizabeth furnace ore 
beds, in Oriskany No. VII at Ferrol station, Chesapeake and Ohio railway. 

32. Argentiferous Galena, (lead and silver) from land of M, K. Garber. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 95 

33. Spiegeleisen, from Edgar Thompson Steel Works, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 
made from manganese, from Crimore mine on Sliennandoah Valley railroad, in 
this county. 

34. Flaggy Limestone, from No. Ill on Trenton ; from Long Glade. 

35. Slate, from " Redbud " quarry in Formation No. Ill, Hudson River. 

BOTETOURT 

was formed in 1770 from Augusta. It is 44 miles long, and about 18 miles wide, 
and contains 372,627 acres, valued at $2,308,702. Population, 14,809. 

This is one of the finest counties of the James River Valley, and is noted for its 
fine grass lands and fat cattle. The surface is rolling, and parts of the county are 
mountainous. The soil is fertile being formed from limestone rocks. 

The productions are tobacco, wheat, corn, oats and cattle, forming a large ag- 
gregate of value. This is a fine fruit county, extensive areas being devoted to 
fruit growing, and much fruit annually canned and evaporated. There are sev- 
eral large canning establishments in the county. James river flows through its 
central parts, and, together with its tributaries, give abundant water-power. 

It is traversed by the Richmond and AUegliany railroad following tlie banks of 
the James, a distance of forty miles from east to west, and by the Shenandoah 
Valley railroad from noitheast to southwest ; and the Norfolk and VYestern rail- 
road crosses the southeast corner. These roads give convenient access to market 
from ajl parts .of the county, and have been the means of developing some of the 
finest iron ore deposits in the State, immense in extent, indeed practically inex- 
haustible. Five miles below Clifton Forge depot, near the railroad, and in a very 
accessible situation, is a surface deposit of brown hematite o?e, formi^jg §, solid 
mass 300 feet long, 60 feet wide, and 25 feet high. This ore yields by analysis 
55 per cent, of superior iron. Limestone in the same region is abundant and of 
excellent quality. " The Arcadia Iron Works employ 125 hands ; they use specu- 
lar ore, yielding 60 to 65 per cent, metallic iron." — Fincastle Herald. ''' The opera- 
tions of this company have fully proven the existence of four or more continous 
beds of specular iron ore (red hematite), averaging three feet in thickness, that 
outcrop in northeast and southwest lines in the western or primordial Blue 
Ridge for nine miles, from near Buchanan to the northeast, in a three-mile wide 
belt of mountain chain, parallel with and adjacent to James river. Many thou- 
sand tons of this ore, proven by analysis and furnace tests to be of good quality, 
have been mined from the mountain sides, adits, and open cuts. Vast quantities 
of this specular ore can here be cheaply mined, while from the western side of the 
same belt, almost on the banks of the James in its eastern bends, brown hematite 
ore (limonite) can be had in abundance from the broad band of that ore that here, 
as elsewhere, accompanies and caps the Potsdam. I have never before seen such 
a development of specular ores in Virginia, and am satisfied that the inducements 
oflered by their abundance and consequent cheapness in the immediate vicinity of 
four or five other varieties of ores, that are also abundant, and at a moderate dis- 
tance from the best coking coals of the great Ohio basin, must go far towards 
making Botetourt oae of the great iron-producing centres of tlie country. * * * 
No region can furnish more clieaply than this any or all the varieties of limestone 
needed for fluxing in blast furnaces ; some of these contain 98.30 per cent, of 
carbonate of lime, others abound in alumina. Marbles of various kinds abound 
among these lower Silurian rocks." — The Virginias. 



96 HAND BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

A fine grained gray marble, solid and massive, is found near Buchanan in a bed 
fifty yards wide. The Brown hematite (Ilmonite) iron ores have not only a re- 
markable development in Botetourt county, but they are so disposed in thick, 
continuous beds, and extended outcrops, that tiiey can be cheaply mined on a 
large scale. These ores are found in nearly all the mountains of the county. 
Specular ore has been discovered near Buchanan, one vein fifteen feet thick and 
analyzing 65 per cent, pure metal. In summiug up an account of his exploration 
of the ores belonging to the Arcadia Iroa Mining Company, in this county, Pro- 
fessor J. L. Campbell gives the following as his opinion of the quality, quantity and 
accessibility of these ores : "As to quality, the chemical analyses and furnace-tests 
speak most favorably. As to quantity, * * ten generations cannot exhaust the 
supply. As to accessibility, the beds are very favorably situated for mining, 
either by open cuts or tunnels. The numerous ravines that cut across the strata 
give natural openings at which to begin mining operations, and as these ravines 
all descend towards the river, all the ore can be transported by a down grade to 
the point of shipment and use. The Arcadia Iron Works were sold January 6, 
1880, to a Pennsylvania company for §125,000. The Salisbury Manufacturing 
Company has recently put its furnace in operation on the Eichmond and Alle- 
ghany railroad. The Roaring Run furnace property, abouu 10,000 acres of iron 
land, on the Richmond and Alle'ghany railroad, promises to be one of the leading 
iron-producing properties in the State. They are raising a large quantity of ore, 
and expect to erect charcoal furnaces for the manufacture of charcoal iron of 
high grade." 

Botetourt has oji exhibition at the New Orleans Exposition the following sam • 
pies of minerals : 

1. Manganese, from H. C. Snyder's land, three miles from Buchanan. 

2. Red-Shale Iron Ore, from Clinton, No. V, beds in Purgatory mountain, 
three quarters of a mile from Buchanan station, Richmond and Alleghany rail- 
road. This specimen is from a pile of 300 tons, now mined and stocked at one 
point on an extensive outcrop that has been uncovered at six places, and shows a 
regular thickness of from 18 to 28 feet. 

3. Manganiferous Iron Ore, from same locality as preceding. 

4. Bed Speadar Iron Ore, from Arcadia furnace property, 4 miles east of Bu- 
chanan, from Potsdam No. 1 beds. 

5. Manganese, from Houston iron mine, near Houston station, S. V. R. R. ; 
used for Spiegel at Cambria Works, Johnstown, Pa. 

6. Marble, from Silurio-Cambrian beds, No. II, from Thomas', on Catawba 
creek, 3 miles east from Roanoke Red Sulphur Sorings. 

7. Calcite, from line of S. V. R. R., 2 miles east from Buchanan. 

8. Fyrite, from Lunsford's, near Bonsack station, N. & W. R. R. 

21. Cellular Brown Hematite Iron Ore, from No. Ill, Hudson River (?) shales, 
from the thick, regularly stratified beds of Old Catawba furnace mines. 

22. Massive Brown Hematite Iron Ore, from same mines as above. 

23. Light Gray Limestone, No. II, from quarry on S. V. R. R., below Buchanan ; 
used for flux at Orozer furnace. 

24. Blue Limestone, No. II, from near Blue Ridge Springs, N. & W. R. R. ; 
used for flux at Crozer furnace. 

25. Limonite, brown iron ore, from Houston mines, near Houston station, S. 
V. R. R. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 97 

26. Limonite, brown irou ore, from Upland mine of Crozer Steel and Iron Co., 
near Blue Ridge Springs, N". ^ W. R. R. 
28. Marble, from G. Gray. 
28. Bed Iron Ore, from G. Gray. 
'29. Pyrites, from G. Gray. 

30. Limestone, from quarry of Indian Rock Lime Works — Edward Dillon, pro- 
prietor. 

31. Unslaked Lime, from above. 

32. Slaked Lime, ivom above. 

33. Limonite Iron Ore, from Purgatory Mountain mine, near Saltpetre Cave 
station. R. and A. R. R. 

34. Pig Iron, ISTo. I grade, charcoal, from Salisbury furnace, near Salisbury 
station, R. and A. R. R. 

35. Limonite Iron Ore, from Rocky Gully ore bed, Purgatory mountain. 

36. Limonite, brown iron ore, from near Eagle Rock station, R. and A. R. R. 
Analysis by Dr. A. Koenig of run of mine gives 47 per cent, metallic iron, low 
silica, and only trace of manganese. 

, 37. Manganiferous Iron Ore, same locality as above. 

38. Limestone^ containing 97.5 per cent, carbonate lime ; abounds at same lo- 
cality. 

39. Limestone, samples from Lower Helderberg, No. VI, Prices' Bluif, R. and 
A. E. R. 

40. Limonite Iron Ore, from Oriskany No. VII, mines of Wilton furnace, east 
slope of Rich-patch mountain. 

The following is taken from the list of Roanoke county minerals, as they plainly 
belong to Botetourt : 

16. Iron Ores, Limestone and Pig Irons, from Crozer furnnce, Roanoke city, 
from Mr. Samuel Crozer, president, and Col. D. F. Houston, superintendent, viz: 

1. Limestone, from Buchanan, Botetourt countj% on line of S. V. R. R. 

2. Limestone, from near Blue Ridge station, Botetourt county, N. & W. R. R. 

3. Limonite Iron Ore, from Houston mines, near Houston station, S. V. R. R., 
Botetourt county. 

4. 'Limonite Ore, from Upland mines, near Blue Ridge station, Botetourt county. 

CLARKE. 

Clarke county was formed from Frederick in 1836. It is seventeen miles long 
and about ten wide. The Shenandoah river flows through the eastern part of the 
county, at the foot of the Blue Ridge. 

The surface of the main part of the county, lying between the Shehandoah-'and 
Opequan rivers, is gently undulating, well drained and having a soil of unsur- 
passed fertility, and peculiarly adapted to the growth of wheat and corn, clover 
and timothy. Blue grass is-indigeuous, and soon forms, on uncultivated. fields, a sod 
equal to the far-famed fields of Kentucky. The land east of the Shenandoah 
river is mountainous, and generally covered with valuable timber of pine, oak and 
chestnut. V/hea cleared the mountain sides produce blue grass, affording fine 
pasture for sheep and cattle. Sumac grows in abundance on the mountain fields, 
and affords a source of considerable income to the inhabitants. 

It belongs to the limestone formation ; th^ limestone being readily obtained on 
every farm for building purposes and for burning into lime. Iron ore of rich 
7 



98 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

character is found in great abundance, and is now being mined and shipped to 
the furnaces of Pennsylvania. Copper and lead are also found on the mountain 
sides. Numerous flour mills are located in the county, manufacturing flour ex- 
tensively for the Baltimore market and for home consumption. 

Wheat, corn and hay are the special productions for market, with all kinds of 
fruits of this latitude for home consumption and apples for export. 

Large numbers of cattle, sheep and hogs are grazed and fed, and sold in Balti- 
more, Philadelphia and New York markets. 

The climate is healthy ; the people intelligent and enterprising; the farms well 
improved with buildings and fencing of the best character ; and the system of 
cultivation thorough and profitable. 

Churches of the various Christian denominations are found in the villages and 
in the country, and public schools in sufficient number to meet the demands of 
the people. 

Berryville, the coanty-seat, is a flourishing town of 1,500 inhabitants, beauti- 
fully situated on the Shenandoah Valley railroad. It contains seven churches, a 
graded school of high character, one bank, and a number of mercantile establish-, 
ments. The other villages in the county are Millwood, Boyce and White 
Post. 

The Shenandoah Valley railroad, extending from Hagerstown, Md.,, to Roan- 
oke, Va., passes through the county from north to south. The Valley branch of 
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad passes through the northwestern part of the 
county ; and the Washington and Ohio railroad, when completed, will pass 
through from east to west. Five Macadamized turnpikes traverse the county. 
Population in 18S0, 8,975. 

Farms, 109,343 acres, assessed at a valuation of $2,842,021. 

Clarke county has the following minerals on exhibition at the New Orleans 
Exposition : 

1. Limonite Iron Ore, from the " Berryville " mines. Mine No. 1, the " Birchel." 

2. Limonite Iron Ore, from Mine No. 2, the "Morgan," 

3. Limonite Iron Ore, from Mine No. 3, the "Moore." 

4. Limonite Iron Ore, from Mine No. 4, the " Wilson." 

5. Limonite Iron Ore, from Mine No. 5, the "Griffith." 

6. Kaolin, from Carter Shepherd's farm, west of Shenandoah river, at Castle- 
man's ferry. 

7. Iron Ore, from Dr. Foster Burchell's, 3 miles south of Berryville. 

8. Iron Ore, from C. H. Castleman's, west of Shenandoah river, at Castleman's 
ferry. 

9. Iron Ore, from J. K. Louthan, 2 miles west of Berryville. 
10. Iron Ore, magnetic, from Major T. L. Humphreys. 

FEEDERICK 

was formed in 1738 from Orange. It is 25 miles loVig and about 18 miles wide. 
It is the northernmost county of Virginia since the partition of the State, and one 
of the finest of the famed Valley of Virginia, and is noted both for its fine lands 
and good farming. 

The surface is undulating, and the soil very productive. The eastern portion 
has a belt of gray slate land from two to six miles wide, and running the entire 
length of the county on the line of Clarke. 



HAND-BOOK OP VIEGINIA. 99 

This soil produces fine crops of Fgrain and grass. 

The timber here is pine, oak, hickory and ash. 

The limestone belt, which is four to eight miles wide, is one of the finest and 
most productive sections in the State, 

West of this valley is the *•' Little North mountain " ; between it and the " Big 
North mountain " is a valley about six miles wide of limestone land. In this val- 
ley are some valuable lands and fine farms. 

The timber in the limestone belts consist of finely grown trees of oak, hickory, 
walnut, ash, locust and elm. 

Travertine marl exists in the limestone valleys. 

In the North mountain are extensive deposits of iron ore ot good quality, which 
has been successfully worked with several furnaces. Coal of anthracite character 
is also found. 

West of North mountain the land is generally a gray slate formation, which 
produces well. 

Rock Enon Springs, on the west of North mountain, and Jordan White Sulphur 
Springs, five miles from Winchester, have an extended reputation for the cure of 
disease, and are liberally patronized. The water of the Jordan Springs is very 
much like that of Greenbrier White Sulphur, and it is used in the same class of 
diseases. 

The chief productions of this county are wheat, corn, rye, buckwheat, oats and 
the grasses. Fruits succeed weU, the apple particularly. 

Winchester is the largest town, and lias a population of 4,958 (in 1880). There 
are several smaller towns, beautifully located on the banks of the valley streams 
which fiow from the adjacent hills and mountains. 

Population, 17,654 (including Winchester). 

Number of acres of land, 268,950 ; assessed at $3,454,408. 

In this county are some of the best lands of the Shenandoah Valley. Soil, climate 
and air combine to make this one of the richest and healthiest regions in the world, 
and it abounds in clear streams of running water. Within the county of Frederick, 
and at an average distance of eight miles from Winchester, are thirty-seven flour 
mills, the largest of which is the Baker steam mill, which has a capacity of 175 barrels 
of flour per day. There are seven woolen mills, eight tanneries, one steam paper 
mill, one bone dust and fertilizer factory, one sumac and bark mill, two iron 
foundries, a shoe factory, six glove factories — " the largest of which works from 
200 to 300 hands" ; "ten cigar factories, working from 5 to 40 hands each, three 
box factories, three carriage factories, one wheat-fan factory, several cabinet fac- 
tories, one agricultural implement factory, several saw and planing mills, and 
quite a number of minor operations of various kinds." '' The county has no pub- 
lic debt, and its parish farm is about self-supporting." "It has two banks — the 
Shenandoah Valley National, capital, $100,000; surplus, $60,000; and the Union 
(State), capital $50,000." There are three excellent female seminaries — Episco- 
pal, Methodist, and Presbyterian — and one male academy, located in Winchester, 
and a flourishing Normal school in Middletown. The new public school building 
in Winchester is an ornament and credit to the city. The National and Stone- 
wall cemeteries are within the corporate limits of Winchester. Three weekly 
newspapers and one monthly literary paper are published within the county. 

The Valley branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad runs through the county, 
and is a great through route for travel and traflac from the east and northeast to 
the South and Southwest. The Washington and Ohio railroad, when extended, 
will cross this county via Winchester from east to west. 



100 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



MONTGOMERY 

was formed in 1776 from what was then called Fincastle district. It is about 22 
"miles on each of its irregular sides, and contains 247,600 acres of land, assessed at 
$2,670,000. Population, 16,717. 

The surface is rolling through the centre and southern portions, and mountain- 
ous in the northern and western parts. The soil is a rich limestone well adapted 
to grain and tobacco, and all the grasses grown in Virginia ; so that for grazing 
and stock-raising it is unsurpassed. 

Montgomery enjoys a delightful and healthy climate, and is a most desirable 
part of the great Valley of Virginia. 

Timber is abundant; oak of different varieties, chestnut, walnut, hickory, elm, 
poplar, &c. ^ 

It is drained by New river and the headwaters of the Roanoke, which are util- 
ized to a considerable extent in manufacturing enterprises of various kinds. 

The Norfolk and Western railroad passes through the centre from northeast to 
southwest ; a branch road from the Norfolk and Western runs along the west 
line a short distance on its route to the Pocahontas coal mines, in Tazewell county. 

The minerals found here are iron ores, gold, galena, zinc, copijer, manganese, coal, 
slate, millstone, and limestones. Much of this mineral wealth is now being de- 
veloped and gives employment to capital and labor. There are several mineral 
springs in the county, as the "Montgomery White Sulphur," the "Alleghany 
Springs," and the "Yellow Sulphur Springs," near the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road. 

Christiansburg, the county seat, is a thriving town of 2,000 inhabitants. The 
Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College is located at Blacksburg, in the 
midst of a fine farming country, surrounded by varied and beautiful scenery. 
This institution is doing an admirable work in educating the young men of this 
and other sections of the State. 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Limonite, from large deposit on the Spindle lands, hear Alleghany Springe, 
near Norfolk and Western railroad, from F. J. Chapman. 

2. Native Gold, from Stone's, from C. R. Boyd. 

3. Gold Bearing Quartz, Placer Gold, and Gold Gravels^ Brush creek, from W. 
H. Harman. 

4. Galena, from near Alleghany Springs, from Prof. Fontaine. 

The following from Major John T. Cowan, Cowan's Mills P. O.: 

5. Millstone Grit, suitable and used for millstones, from Brushy mountain. 

6. Coal, semi-anthracite, from McCoy's mine on northeast bank of New river. 
Brushy Mountain. 

7. Slate, from Poverty Valley, Tom's creek, eastern slope of Brushy moun- 
tain. 

8. Red Shale Iron Ore, No. V, from Webb Mine in Gap mountain, used in Sink- 
ing Creek Iron Works. 



f 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. lOl 



From Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

9. Lead and Zinc Ore, from Geo. W. Anderson. Assays, 32.78 metallic lead, 
and 24.88 metallic zinc. 

10. Mispickel or Arsenical Pyrites, from W. J. Guerrant. 

PAGE 

was formed in 1831 from Shenandoah and Rockingham. The whole county is a 
valley twenty-five miles in length and about eleven miles wide, with the Shenan- 
doah river running through its entire length, and contains 193,119 acres, valued 
at $1,608,454. Population, 9,970. The surface of the broad and fertile valley is 
gently undulating, and rises gradually to the summits of two low mountain ranges 
which form its east and west borders, the Blue Ridge on the east and Massanutton 
on the west. 

The soil is a rich limestone of unsurpassed productiveness, admirably suited to 
grain and grass. 

Page county is traversed in its entire length by the Shenandoah Valley rail- 
raad, which runs through the centre and affords transportation convenient to all 
parts of the county. Since the construction of this road the development of the 
county has been very rapid. 

Valuable timber of many kinds, as oak, pine, locust, chestnut, walnut, ash, and 
poplar is abundant. The minerals are iron ores in vast quantities, ochre, man- 
ganese, copper, limestone, some of it magnesian, and travertine marl. 

Near Luray is a beaettiful cave with an endless succession of extensive cham- 
bers ornamented with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. This is numbered 
among the noted caverns of the world, and attracts from all parts of the country 
thousands of visitors curious to examine its wonders, which surpass those of any 
other known to man. It is now fitted up with electric lights and all conveniences 
for exhibition. 

Luray, the county seat, is a beautiful town, and one of much commercial im- 
portance, being the emporium of this rich Page Valley, and on the line of the 
great Shenandoah Valley railroad. 

PAGE COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW OKLBANS EXPOSITION. 

The following specimens were contributed by Mr. E. A. Randle, of Luray : 

1. Brown Hematite Iron Ore, from "Bonanza" Mine, of Harmer, Randle & 
Co. 

2. Brown Hematite, from "Audenried" Mine, of Va. Ore and Iron Co. of Lu- 
ray. 

3. Brown Hematite, from "Shank" Mine, of A. E. Randle. 

4. Brown Hematite, from " Weatherhols " Mine, of A. E. Randle. 

5. Brown Hematite, from "Pipe Ore" Mine, of A. E. Randle. 

6. Brown Hematite^ from "Williams" Mine, of A. E. Randle. 

7. Brown Hematite, from "Murray" Mine, of A. E. Randle. 

8. Brown Hematite, from " Piney Mountain " Mine, of Harmer, Randle & Co. 

9. Brown Hematite, from "Printz '' Mine, of Harmer, Randle & Co. 

10. Brown Hematite, from "Vulcan " Mine, of Maris & Randle. 

11. Brown Hematite, from "Honey Run " Mme, of Harmer, Randle & Co. 

12. Brown Hematite, from "Housen" Mine, of Harmer, Randle & Co. 



102 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

13. Brown Hematite, from " Farmazanta " Mine, of Harmer, Randle & Co. 

14. Brown Hematite, from "Dovel" mine of Harmer, Randle & Co. 

15. Brown Hematite, from "East Liberty" Mine, of Miles & Randle. 

' 16. Hpidote, occui^s in Syenite at Milam Gap on west side of Blue Ridge, Prof. 
Fontaine. 

17. Iron Ore, Limonite, from "Cornelia" Mine, near Rust Siding, S. V. R. R., 
B. C. Rust, proprietor. 

18. Limonite, from "Strickler " Mine, near above, same owner. 

From Collection of N. & W. and S. V. R. R. 

Iron Ore, from "Beverly" Mine, one mile southeast of Ingham station, S* 
V. R. R. 

Iron Ore, from "Rust" Mine, two miles northwest from Kimball station, 
S. V. R. R, 

19. Limonite, from "Beverly" Mine. 

20. Ochre, yellow, crude, from Oxford Ochre Co. 

21. Ochre, yellow, ground, from mills of Oxford Ochre Co. 

PULASKI 

was formed in 1839 from Wythe and Montgomery. It is 25 miles long and 18 
miles wide. The surface in some parts broken and in others level. The soil is 
very good, and adapted to gpain and grazing. 

Population, 8,752. Number of acres of land 211,073, assessed at $1,731,411. 

The county is situated in the famous Southwest Valley, and is noted for its rich 
hay and grass, and fine stock. 

Its increased railroad facilities and mineral developments have been greater in 
the last year or eighteen months than any county in the State. From the Nor- 
folk and "Western railroad, which is the main line running through the county 
from east to west, two important branches have been thrown out — one starting 
from New River Bridge and extending a distance of 84 miles into Tazewell county, 
opening up the great Pocahontas or Flat Top coal field ; and the other, under con- 
struction, leaves the main line at Martin's, now Pulaski city, and extends up the 
New River and Cripple Creek valleys through Wythe and Grayson counties into 
North Carolina, and the wealth of iron, lead, copper, zinc, and other ores that 
will be opened up to market is simply marvelous. 

In addition, within the last year the Belle Hampton Coal and Iron Company 
have built a narrow-gauge road from near Churchwood, on the New River road, 
to Tyler's Brush Mountain coal mines, a distance of four and a quarter miles, 
and is mining and shipping a quantity of stove and grate coal that commands the 
best price Qf any coal in the State. This company has not been able to supply its 
demands. They have opened four veins — one 2 feet, one 2^, one 5, and one 3J 
feet thick. The smaller vein is the most valuable, and the one principally worked. 
This vein is about 80 per cent, anthracite, and the others are soft and semi-bitu- 
minous. 

In 1878 the Altoona Narrow-Gauge road was built from Martin's to their 
valuable coal fields — a distance of eight miles — and has transported great quan- 
tities of coal, which has been used principally in smelting zinc ore at the Bertha 
Zinc Works, and at the salt furnaces of Col. Geo. W. Palmer at Saltville. Col. 
Palmer now owns the Altoona railroad, the coal banks, and also most of the Ber- 
tha Zinc Works. The Altoona Coal Company have two veins — one 3^ feet thick 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 103 

and the other about 20 feet. These veins are soft and answer well for smelting 
the zinc, and use in the saJt furnaces. 

The coal on Brushy mountain, on which are located the Altoona and BellHamp- 
ton (or Tyler's mines), crops out near the top of the mountain, for a distance of 
ubout forty miles— through Pulaski county and east and west into Wythe and 
Montgomery counties— and lays at a pitch of about 35 degrees, and from the fact 
that the veins are thrown up again, some miles south on the Tract mauntain, in 
Pulaski, and Prices mountain, in Montgomery — it is believed that the substratum 
of the whole Valley between is one solid mass of coal. This Valley contains 
some of the best grazing and grain land in the county. Other openings have 
been made on the veins of coal mentioned, perhaps the next most important 
development is by Mr. J. R. Miller, near Martin's station. 

There are valuable veins of limestone and fine building stone. Both lime and 
•sandstone, or granite can be gotten, and a fine vein of millstone rock is found on 
Brushy mountain, near the coal vein . Rock nearly equal to the French burr is got- 
ten out near the Belle Hampton coal banks. There is also on the same mountain 
a vein from which valuable grind stones are made, and another that furnishes 
whet stones only surpassed by the genuine Irish hone. 

Many different kinds of ores are found in large quantities. The Radford fur- 
nace has been in operation for many years. The ore is inexhaustible and of the 
finest quality. A vein of zinc ore 15 feet thick has been found on the lands of 
D. S. Forney, and near here are the well known "Bertha Zinc Mines," from 
which a supply of ore yielding 45 per cent, is drawn for the furnace at Martin's, 
on the Norfolk and Western railroad, that has a capacity of 1,300 tons of spelter a 
year. . In other places, iron, lead, copper, manganese, &c., are found. 

One of the finest bodies of mineral lands in the United States is located partly 
in the extreme southwestern end of the county, beginning near the junction 
of Big and Little Eeed Island creeks with New River, and extending a great dis- 
tance up the New River valley, *'Boon Furnace" in this county is situated on 
a bed of this ore, and is regarded as one of the most profitable furnaces in the 
United States. It continued in operation all through the suspension, although 
having to haul its product fifteen miles to reach a shipping point. 

Valuable lead and zinc deposits occur in juxtaposition to these iron beds 
throughout their extent. Taken altogether it is unsurpassed by any mineral sec- 
tion in the world. 

Great attention is paid by nearly all the leading agriculturists of the county to 
the breeding of thoroughbred cattle of various breeds, as well as thoroughbred 
horses, sheep and hogs. 

The timber embraces all the varieties found in this section — viz : oak, pine, 
hickory, poplar, cedar, cherry, ash, walnut, maple, locust, sycamore, etc. 

There are many streams, affording valuable water-power for mills and manu- 
facturing purposes. At Snowville, a thrifty little village, they have a woolen 
mill, a foundry, agricultural implement shops, and other machinery, and at New 
River Bridge a foundry and spoke factory, and other works are in contemplation 
in different parts of the county. The little station heretofore known as Martin's 
is now called Pulaski City, and promises to be quite a place when the Cripple 
Creek road is completed. 

There are two papers published in the county, and as many churches as can be 
found anywhere to the population. Schools are in a flourishing condition, and to 
all settlers a cordial welcome is extended by a people rarely equalled for wealth, 
intelligence and virtous traits. 



104 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

Baltimore butchers concede that the beef from this county is among the best 
grass beef that comes to that market. The production of corn, wheat, rye, oats, 
buckwheat, grapes, barley and tobacco is equal to the best counties in the south- 
west. 

PULASKI COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Limonite, from Kich Hill Mine of D. S. Forney, Capt. F. J. Chapman. 

2. Zinc Ore, from Bertha Mine, Capt. F. J. Chapman. 

1. Brown Iron Ore, brilliant, from Kich Hill Mine, Capt. C. R. Boyd. 

3. Anthracite Coal, from Belle-Hampton Coal Companj^'s Mine in Brushy Moun- 
tain. 

The following from this county are contributed by the N. & W. and S. V. rail- 
roads : 

Iron Ore, from Radford Furnace on Maok Creek, one and one-eighth miles south 
of New river. 

Iron Ore, from "Johnson" bank of '"Reed Island" Furnace, one and a half 
miles sonth of Xew river. 

Iron Ore, from "Honaker" bank, one and a half miles southeast of Pnlaski 
Station. 

Iron Ore, from "■Walton" Mine Furnace. 

ROANOKE 

was formed in 1838 from Botetourt. It is twenty miles long and about fifteen 
miles wide, and contains 191,118 acres, assessed at $2,855,350. Population, 11.847. 
The surface is undulating, and in parts mountainous, all of its boundaries being^ 
crests of mountain ranges. This is one of the upper counties of the Valley of Vir- 
ginia, and the streams flowing from it run in various directions, some northeast 
into the James, while Roanoke river, the chief stream in the county, flows south- 
east. 

The soils of this county are generally of excellent quality, and are well adapted 
to the cereals, grasses, and tobacco. Besides these crops, large herds of fat cattle 
and sheep are marketed from this county. This is a fine county, the best lands 
being held at very high figures. The transportation facilities are good, and are 
furnished by the Norfolk and Western railroad, passing through it from east to 
west, and by the Shenandoah Valley railroad passing down the valley to Roan- 
oke, its point of junction with the Norfolk and Western. 

Salem, the county seat, is prettily located on Roanoke river and the Norfolk 
and Western railroad. Roanoke, the southern terminus of the Shenandoah Val- 
ley railroad, is one of the most prosperous towns in the Valley, and is an impor- 
tant centre of trade and manufacturing industries, with large iron furnaces and 
tobacco factories. Within three or four years it has grown from a small village 
to a town of six thousand inhabitants. 

The minerals of the county are iron ores in great abundance and purity, coal, 
slate, and limestone. There are several mineral springs, the waters of which are 
highly recommended. At Botetourt Springs is located Hollins Institute, a female 
gchool of high grade. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. lO^ 

ROANOKE COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From F. J. Chapman. 

1. Limonife, cellular, brown iron ore, from Poor mountain mine No. 3. 

2. Limonite, massive, brown iron ore, from Poor mountain mine No. 1. 

3. Limonite, clay iron ore, from Poor mountain mine No. 4. 

4. Limonite, massive black iron ore, from Starkey mine No. 1. 

5. Limonite, cellular, brown iron ore, from Starkey mine No. 2. 

6. Limonite, cellular, brown iron ore, from Hudson Shales No. Ill from North 
mountain. 

7. Hematite, massive red iron ore, from Catawba mountain, near Brand's. 

8. Hematite, massive red iron ore, from middle ridge of Catawba mountain 
range, near preceding. 

9. Semi-Anthracite Coal, from Vespertine, No. X, bed in Catawba mountain, 
extending over 12 miles. 

10. An Old Miner's Sledge, found in Starkey mine No. 4, where it has lain 
since 1813, when old '" Black Creek " furnace was washed away. Cast directly 
from the furnace using the Starkey ore. 

11. Marl, tufaceous, from McCormick's on Catawba creek, 6 miles southwest 
from Koanoke Red Sulphur springs. 

12. Limonite, from Potsdam Shales No. 1, from Iron Bluff" farm, 3 miles from 
Rorer Iron company's railroad. 

14. Roofing Slate, from Catawba valley. 

15. Stalactite, Lime Carbonate, from caverns near Roanoke Red Sulphur springs.. 
This is from a recently discovered 3 stories-down-cavern in North or Catawba 
mountain, which has in it rooms over 200 feet long and 100 feet high. 

17. Limestone, No. II, from Catawba valley. 

18. Limestone, No. Ill, from near Salem. 

19. White Sandstone, Oneida, from Catawba mountain, 5 miles west from Salem. 

20. Purple Sandstone, Medina, from Catawba mountain, 5 miles west from Salem. 

21. Water, of Roanoke Red Sulphur springs, 6 bottles with analysis. 

22. Chalybeate Water, from Roanoke Red Sulphur springs. 

23 A Ch'een Stone, resembling serpentine, two varieties from quarry of Dr. R. 
B. Hudson, 4 miles south from Roanoke city ; used extensively for sills, caps, &c., 
in building, and for steps and curbs ; soft and dresses easily when first quarried 
but becomes hard and weathers well. 

24. Brick Clay, and a raw and burnt brick, from brickyard of J. W. Earmon. 

ROCKBRIDGE, 

named from its most striMng feature, the world-renowned "Natural Bridge," 
was formed from Augusta and Botetourt in 1778. It is 31 miles in length and 22 
wide, and contains 408,961 acres, valued at $4,151,259. Population, 20,010. 

The surface is rolling, and in parts mountainous. The crest of the Blue Ridge 
forms its southeast boundary ; North mountain and Mill mountain are on the 
west border, and Little North mountain penetrates the northern part. 

The region lying between the^e mountain ranges is undulating and hilly, and 
has excellent soils formed from limestone, and capable of producing fine crops of 
tobacco, grain, and all the cultivated grasses. 



306 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

The elevated mountain sides are, to a large extent, arable, and are fine grazing 
lands. 

The timber is abundant, and of valuable kinds, as oak, hickory, chestnut, piue, 
poplar, walnut, &e. 

The minerals and mineral waters of Rockbridge are varied and valuable, and 
consist of iron ore, tin ore,* arsenopyrite containing gold and silver, manganese, 
barytes, marble, gypsum and limestone, some of it hydraulic. 

The mineral springs of this county — the "Rockbridge Alum," "Jordan Alum," 
"Cold Sulphur," " Wilson's White Sulphur," and "Rockbridge Baths," have a 
wide celebrity, and are much resorted to for health and pleasure. 

Lexington, the county-seat, is located on North river, near the centre of the 
county, and is the seat of the Virginia Military Institute and of Washington and 
Lee University, two eminent institutions of learning. 

The Natural Bridge in this county is reckoned as one of the world's wonders. 

North river flows through the centre of the county, and empties into the James 
near the south border. 

Transportation by rail is furnished by the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad on the 
north, the Valley branch of the Baltimore and Ohio from its northeast border to 
Lexington, where it connects with the Richmond and Alleghany railroad, which 
runs for some distance through the southern border, and by the Shenandoah Val- 
ley railroad passing east through the eastern and southern portion. 

Tourists find in this county some of the grandest scenery of the continent. Be- 
sides the Natural Bridge above-mentioned, "Balcony Falls," where James river 
■cuts its way through the Blue Ridge, and the "Goshen Fass," on North river, 
have long been celebrated, and now that this region has become accessible, are 
daily drawing greater crowds. 

EOOKBBIDGE COUNTY MINERAIjS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Cement^ from James River Cement Works, Balcony Falls station, Richmond 
and Alleghany railroad, 

2. Potsdam Sandstone^ scolithus bed, formation No. 1, mouth of North river 
of James. 

3. Limestone, from bluff below Natural Bridge station, Richmond and Alle- 
ghany railroad. 

4-5. Iron Ores, from No. 7, and Bed Shale, from No, 5, from Guy Run iron 
lands of E. A. J-'arker. 

6. Tufaceous Marl, deposit from Marl river, at Lyle's plow factory, near 
-Midway. 

7. Limonite, brown iron ore from upper shales of potsdam No. 1, at Fulton 
ore bank. 

8. JUmonite, brown iron ore, massive blojk, Donald bed in Doojvvood hollow. 

* Recently tin bas been found on Irish creek, near Vesuvias station, on S. V. R. R., very rich ia 
yield and promising valuable results. It is now in process of development, it assays from 29 
to 60 pure tin. Magnesian lime for hydraulic cement is found on the Glendale estate, and has for 
many years been made into cement at Balcony Falls, just below. It is also found on the North 
river, just above Balcony Falls, immediately on the S. V. R. R. 

Glenwood furnace, near Glenwood station, is out of blast. It is near very fine iron veins. The 
" Buena Vista" Iron mines are near the K. & A. R. R., and are exceptioaably rich. No better site 
for an iron furnace can be found in Virginia than at or near Balcony Palls. The largest iron fur- 
nace in the State is at Goshen, in this county. Its material is furnished from the mines near the 
Rockbridge Alum Springs, by means of a branch railway. Its capacity Is from 125 to 150 tons a 
day. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 107 

The following fourteen specimens are from the cabinet of Dr. E. A. Gibbs, 
Lexington : 

9. Variagated Pink Marble, 

10. Limestone. 

11. Coraline Limestone. 

12. Gray Limestone., contains 97 per cent, of lime carbonate. 

13. Light Gray Limestone, contains 96 to 98 per cent, of lime carbonate. 

14. Blue Limestone, marble, from near Natural Bridge. 

15. Black Marble, from near Lexington, 

16. Black Marble, from near Goshen. 

17. Yellow variagated Marble. 
IS. Brown Marble. 

' 19. Stalactitic Marble, found in large masses. 

20. Yellow stalactitic, variagated Marble, near Rockbridge Baths. 

21. Variagated Marble, from Thompkin's. 

22. Black Marble, from Steel's. 

23. Bed Shale Iron Ore, from lands of Echols, Bell & Catlett, Staunton. 

24. Limonite, from "Fridley " mine of the above firm. 

The following are from collection of Prof. J. L. Campbell, Lexington : 

26. Limonite Iron Ore, fibrous, from Graham's bed on Irish creek. 

26. Limonite, massive, from same locality as above. 

27. Limonite, massive, from " Echols " mine, near Balcony Falls. 

28. Limonite, fibrous, from same, locality. 

29. Limonite, massive, from Victoria furnace mines, near Rockbridge Alum 
Springs. 

30. Limonite, from same locality as above. 

31. Limonite, fibrous and radiated, from Glen wood mines, Western Blue Ridge. 

32. Baryta, from near Lexington. 

33. Dufrenite, bydrated phosphate of iron, fibrous divergent ; from Blue Ridge 
{South mountain), Irish creek region, 12 miles east from Lexhigton. This is the 
only locality of this mineral, so far as known, in any of the Southern States. 

34. Dufrenite, nodular, radiated ; from same locality as above. 

35. Dufrenite. incrustation with concentric layers ; from same place as above. 

36. Cassiterite, tin ore, massive ; from Irish creek region of Blue Ridge. 

37. Tin Ore, cross section of crystaline vein ; from same place as above. 

38. Tin Ore, group of crystals in gangue of quartz and yellow mica ; from same 
as above. 

39. Gray Coraline Marble, from near Lexington ; dressed and polished by Mr. 
John Hileman. 

40. Ochre ; from outcrop of cement limestone on James river. 

41. Magnetic Iron Ore , occurs in large amounts at Robert Grant's, on Irish 
<jreek. 

42. Homhlendic Granite; occurs on Tye River Gay road, on west side of Blue 
Ridge. 

43. Brown Hematite Iron Ore, from "Carson ore beds of J. E. A. Gibbs, of 
Raphine. 

44. Glass Sand, from Potsdam, near Balcony Palls, from Virginia Department 
of Agriculture. 



108 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

45. Manganese, from G-uy Kan iron lands of E. A. Packer, of New York city. 

46. Paints, a number of colors, from ochres, &c., mica, and made by H. Lerna, 
of Goshen. 

47. Cassiterite, ivoxn " Mt. Maria" mine, on Irish creek, belonging to Robert- 
son & Grant. Major A. D. Robertson writes us that this ore is from a nearly ver- 
tical vein, about 2^ thick, opened at 3 or 4 points, and drifted in by tunnel 80^ 
long. It yields 3| per cent, of metallic tin. Seventeen other veins have been 
opened, and the existence of others is known. This tin ore has been found over 
an area of 7 miles in length by 1 mile wide. 

48. Tin Ore, cassiterite, 200 pounds, from mine ^f Mrs. Martha D. Cash, Irish 
creek post-office. This is from the same veins and region as the " Mt. Maria" ore 
above described. 

The following from exhibit of N. and W. and S. V. Railroads : 

Iron Ore, from "Cash" mines, on Irish creek, 8 miles southeast from Vesuvius 
station, S. V. R. R. 

Tin Ore, from "Buena Vista" mines, on S. V. R. R., Capt. C. F. Jordan, man- 
ager. 

ROCKINGHAM 

was formed from Augusta in 1778, and has an area rather greater than that of the 
parent county. It contains 1,079 square miles, or 690,051 acres, so that it is the 
largest county in the State, and is second among the Valley counties in popula- 
tion, having 29,567 inhabitants. Although there is much waste mountain land in 
Rockingham, the average assessed value of the whole is over $10 per acre, or a 
total of $6,947,308. 

Every part of this county is watered by the Shenandoah and its numerous tribu- 
taries, and tliere is a large extent of rich meadow land. 

Rockingham is one of the largest grain producing counties in the State, and 
exports large quantities of flour, which has a high reputation in the Eastern 
markets. All the cereals thrive here, not only those cultivated generally, but 
buckwheat and barley. And this is peculiarly a grass and cattle region, and a 
county of fine horses. Great numbers of choice cattle and horses are shipped 
from Rockingham to the Northern States. 

The mineral wealth of this county is considerable — iron, copper, lead and coal. 
Limestone is everywhere. Several varieties of marble are found here. 

There are mineral waters of great virtup in Rockingham, the most resorted to 
being the celebrated "Rawley Springs," eleven miles from Harrisonburg. 

Two great lines of railroad pass through this county — the Valley branch of the 
Baltimore and Ohio and the "Shenandoah Valley" road. These give excellent 
facilities for marketing the rich products — agricultural and mineral — of the county, 
and will rapidly attract immigration to this beautiful Valley. 

There is also a narrow gauge railroad from Harrisonburg to Elkton, connecting 
the two main lines, and facilitating communication between the different parts of 
the county. 

Harrisonburg, the county seat, on the Valley branch of the Baltimore and Ohio, 
is a growing town of near four thousand inhabitants — the centre of trade of this 
rich county. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 109 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Prof. Fontaine. 

1. Dionte, occurs in an eruptive dyke 200 feet wide near top of Blue Ridge. 

2. Epidotic Jasper, from ledge eight feet wide, in Chlorite-Schist, at Swift Eun 
Gap. 

3. Syenite, occurs in immense quantities in the Blue Eidge on Swift Run Gap 
road. 

The following from the U. S. Assistant Commissioner Major Jed. Hotchkiss : 

4. Case of Chalybeate Water, from Rawley Springs. 

6. Galena (lead sulphuret), from Dan'l Showalter's farm, near Chrisman Post- 
Office. 

The following were contributed by Mr. C. D. Harnsberger, from western base 
of the Blue Ridge : 

6. Two samples Iron Ore, Limonite, from the Potsdam No. 1, from the Miller 
bank of the Mt. Vernon Iron property, near Weyer's Cave station, S. V. E. R. 

7. Limonite, Iron Ore, from ''Raines'" ore bank of Abbott Iron Co., 3 miles 
northeast from Port Republic Station, S. V. R. R. 

8. Iron Ore, Limonite, from "Weaver" bank, near 120 mile-post of S. V. R. R. 
Abbott Iron Co. 

9. Iron Ore, Limonite, from "Sipe" bank of Abbott Iron Company, near same 
point. 

10. Ochre, Hamilton's Paint, from near Keezletown, from Va. Dept. Agricul- 
ture. 

11. Kaolin, from Mrs. J. J. Wood's, from Va. Dept. Agriculture. 

12. Trap Bock, locally called "'■Ironstone,^'' from a dyke 40 to 50 feet wide, near 
the Augusta line, two miles southwest from Port Republic, near Leroy village. 

This particular block of trap, two and a half feet long, two feet wide, and two 
feet high, is an historic one, as it is the block that was used as an "anvil block," 
for a tilt-hammer in the blacksmith shop of Selah Holbrook, at Port Republic ; 
and on the anvil that was morticed into this block Selah Holbrook and his son, J. 
H. Holbrook, in 1S43, made the sickles for Cyrus McCormick, that were used in 
the first McCoribick reaper or harvester. Loaned by C. D. Harnsberger, the owner 
of it, Port Republic, Va. 

SHENANDOAH 

was formed in 1772 from Frederick. It contains 327,676 acres, valued at $3,608,- 
176. Population, 18,204. The surface is rolling, with some considerable moun- 
tains and valleys of great beauty and fertility — a very large proportion of the 
county being of the best class of valley land — disintegrated limestone — a strong 
and durable soil, admirably adapted to all the cereals and grasses of the climate. 
In Shenandoah are some of the finest farms in the State, and live farmers who 
know the value of improved stock, and vie with each other and with those of 
the adjoining counties for the production of the best. 



110 HAND-BOOK OP VIEaiNIA. 

The north fork of Shenandoah river traverses the entire length of this county, 
abundantly watering it, and giving power for manufacturing purposes. The 
valley of this river cannot be excelled for the beauty and fertility of its lands. 
The valley branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad runs the entire length of 
this county from northeast to southwest, its line being of convenient access from 
all parts of the county. 

The minerals found here are iron ore, coal, manganese, galena, antimony, 
marble and limestone. Very little developed as yet. The " Columbia " and 
" Liberty " furnaces in this county make A No. 1 pig iron. At Edinburg a large 
agricultural implement factory has been organized. 

Much of the wheat raised here is exported in the shape of flour, which has a 
high reputation. 

Among the attractions of this county should be mentioned the "Orkney 
Springs," a place of great resort for health and pleasure seekers from other States 
and all parts of Virginia. 

SHENANDOAH COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Limonite and other Iron Ores, mainly from No. V, Limestone No. VI, Lower 
Helderberg ; Charcoal pig iron, &c., from mines of Columbia and Liberty furnaces 
of Columbia-Liberty Iron Co., in North mountains, on Stony creek, west side of 
"The Valley," W. D. Pollard contributor. 

2. Limonite and other Iron Ores, mainly from No. V, Limestones No. V, char- 
coal pig iron of various grades ; manganese sandstones, from Dr. Frank King, 
Van Buren furnace, Cedar Creek valley. 

3. Iron Ores, Limestones, Sec, from Henrietta furnace, head of Stony creek, 
west of Little North mountain, Mrs. A. J. Myers. 

The following were collected for the Virginia Midland railway by M. W. G. 
Douglas : 

1. Manganese, from Powell's Fort M. Co., near Water Lick station. 

2. Iron Ore, from same company and locality as above. 

3. Calcareous Tufa, or Travertine Marl, one mile from Strasburg. 

The following are from the furnace property of Mrs. A. J. Myers, Shenandoah 
Alum Springs post-office : 

3. Iron Ore, from Powder Spring bank. 

4. Iron Ore, from Open bank on Iron Hill. 

5. Iron Ore, from extensive outcrop near furnace stack. 

6. Limestone, from near furnace. 

7. Fire Clay and Brick, from same. 

8. Shales and other Rocks, from vicinity of furnace. 

9. Shenandoah Alum Water, claimed to be best of its class. 
10. Sulphur Iron Water. 

13. Chalybeate Water. 

15. Lithia- Sulphur Water. 

15. Alum Shale, from which the above alum water flows. All these waters are 



HAND-BOOK OP VIRGINIA. Ill 

from a circle of 300 yards, and Mrs. Myers claims it as the greatest variety of min- 
eral waters of medicinal value from one locality. 

10. Iron Ore, from David NefF, from Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

11. Calc-Spar, from Geo. J. GrandstafF, of Edinburg, from Virginia Depart- 
ment of Agriculture. 

SMYTH 

was formed in 1831 from Washington and Wythe. It is in the form of ^a parallel- 
logram with two of its sides about thirty miles in length, and contains 327,394 
of land, assessed for taxes at $1,662,424. Population, 12,160. 

It has on the north Clinch mountain, Poor Valley mountain. Walker's moun- 
tain and Brush mountain, while Iron mountain forms its southeastern boun- 
dary. These ranges have courses parallel with each other northeast to southwest, 
and are separated by valleys of fine farming and grazing lands. 

The productions are tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat, grass and fat 
cattle. Tobacco culture in this and the adjoining counties has been rapidly de- 
veloped in the last few years. Bright tobacco of the finest quality is now grown 
in this region, and the planter has learned to handle it so as to get the top market 
prices. The mountain lands produce spontaneously the finest blue grass, and so 
it follows that this is an admij'able stock country. 

Timber is abundant and of the valuable kinds common to this section of the 
State. 

The climate is a delightful one in the summer, and is very healthy. 

There is no town of importance except Marion, the county seat, which is a 
beautiful and busy town on the line of the Norfolk and Western road. The 
Norfolk and Western railroad crosses this county about the centre, and has Marion,, 
the county seat, as one of its stations. 

Smyth is drained by the three forks of the Holston river, giving it abundant 
water power for all kind of manufacturing purposes. 

The minerals of this county include iron ore, lead ore, copper ore, gypsum, salt 
and marble. These minerals are in great abundance and some of them are being 
extensively developed. 

SMYTH COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Red Iron Ore, from six-foot bed many miles long, head of Coma creek, on 
Smyth and Grayson line; from Capt. C. R. Boyd. 

2. Marble, from Hezekiah Harman's land ; from Capt. C. R. Boyd. 

The following were collected by Mr. James H. Gilmore, of Marion : 

3. Iron Ore, from the lands of Thomas E. Gardiner. 

4. Iron Ore, from the lands of M. B. Tate. 

5. Iron Ore, from the lands of John M. Preston. 

6. Barytes, two samples, from the land of G. C. GoodeU. 

7. Soapstone, from the land of A. G. Pendleton. 

8. Gypsum, plaster, from the land of J. H. Buchanan. 

9. Brown Hematite Iron Ore, occurs in large amounts west of Marion ; from 
Prof. Fontaine. 



112 HAND-BQOS: OF VIRGINIA. 



WARE EN 

was formed in 1837 from Frederick and Shenandoah, r- /s 20 nfiilt's long and 12 
miles in width; and contains 125,785 acres of land, va u; ' at $1,340,147. Popu- 
lation, 7,405. 

It lies on the western slope of the Blue Rids^e, and has Three-Top mountain on 
its western border. The south fork of Shenandoah river passes through its centre. 

The surface varies from .intervales and gently sloping hills to steep mountain 
declivities. 

The soil is in general excellent — formed from disintegrated and limestone, and (in 
places) from epidotes and horn-blende, and produces excellent crops of corn, oats, 
rye, wheat, buckwheat, and grass; and much care and attention is devoted to 
fruit-raising. Grape-culture especially has been extensively and successfully car- 
ried on for many years, the epidote lands in the vicinity of the beautiful village, 
^' Front Royal," being admirably adapted to the growth of the choicest varieties 
of the vine. 

Stock-raising forms one of the most important industries. 

The transportation facilities are excellent, and are furnished by the Shenandoah 
Valley railroad, passing from north to south through the centre, and the Manassas 
branch of the Va. Midland railroad, crossing it from east to west. 

Tins is a most highly favored and desirable region to live in, enjoying a delight- 
ful climate and having all the accessories for prosperity and pleasant living. 

The minerals are iron ore, copper, ochre, umber, and limestone, of which the 
following specimens were on exhibition at the New Orleans Exposition : 

Umber and Ochre, from Salina and other banks near Overall station. 
Iron Ore, from "-Happy Creek Mining Company," one mile from Happy Creek 
station. 

Limonite Iron Ore, from "Iron Mountain Mine," of Mavis & Reynolds. 
Limestone, from quarry of Carson & Sons, burned extensively. 

WASHINGTON. 

Poprilation, 25,199 ; contains 385,309 acres, assessed at $2,879,712. 

This one of the finest counties of the southwestern part of the State. It lies 
on the Tennessee border, and is bounded on the northwest by Clinch mountain 
and on the southeast by the Blue Ridge. It is watered by the three forks of the 
Holston river, which pass through its length, and, with their tributaries, furnish 
abundant power for mills and factories. 

The surface is rolling in its central parts and quite rujj^-ed on its mountain bor- 
ders. The soil is a rich limestone, producing .fine crops of tobacco, the cereals 
and grasses.* Cattle, horses and sheep are reared and fattened in great numbers. 

* A correspondent, in reply to an interrogatory, says Washington county produced about 2,000,- 
OOO pounds tobacco in 1884. The great bulk of the crop in this section is bright; generally of good 
body and excellent texture. Being grown on new lauds, it is remarkably free from dirt and is very 
sweet. Tlie bright crops of 1884 have averaged so far, at public sale in warehouses in Abiugdon, 
from $10 to $25. The bright crop of 1&S3, averaged from $10 to $45. Our best tobacco is raised on 
freestone lands ; yet we have some very fine crops from limestone. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 113 

This county is rich in minerals. On the west slope of the Blue Eidge are large 
deposits of a semi-magnetic iron ore, free from phosphorus and containing 69.74 
of metallic iron. On Clinch mountain are found continuous beds of fossil ore. 
Lead and zinc ores, salt and plaster are also found in this county. "The Holston 
Salt and Plaster Comp' ," at Saltville, are now producing annually 800,000 
bushels of salt, and thii.v^Japany, together with "The Beuna Vista Plaster Com- 
pany," produce 6,000 tons of plaster yearly. The salt wells at this place have 
the strongest brine known, and that, as well as the gypsum veins, are inexhausti- 
ble, and extend many miles into the adjacent county of Smyth. 

The climate of this region cannot be excelled for health and pleasantness, as is 
evidenced by the large stature and robust appearance of the people. 

Abingdon, the chief town, has a population of over 2,500, and is a centre of 
refinement and culture. It has two female colleges and a fine courthouse, in 
which is held not only the county and circuit courts of the State, but the circuit 
<jourt of the Federal Government for the Western District of Virginia. 

Bristol, just on the county line, contains about 4,600 inhabitants, and is the 
western terminus of the Norfolk and Western railroad, which traverses the county 
centrally. There is a branch of this road from Glade Spring to Saltville, near the 
Smyth county line. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Capt. C. R. Boyd. 

1. Iron Ore^ semi-magnetic, from Gallaher mine. 

2. Mineral Water, and "iron and alum mass," from Seven Springs. 

From Gen. J. D. Imboden. 

3. Limestone, highly fossiliferous, 8'^ cube from north fork of Holston, at Men- 
dota. 

4. Grindstone, 15^' by 4^'', from a surface sample, from mouth of Whetstone 
branch of Wolf creek. 

5. Red Calcareous Rock, very hard, fine building stone, from stratum over 30^ 
thick, near Mendota. 

6. Limestone, Valley or No. II, from one mile west from Goodson. 

7. Bayrtes, from Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

The following are contributed by W. K. Armistead, of Abingdon : 

8. Plaster, sulphate of lime, one box from near Saltville. 

9. Iron Ore, semi-magnetic, from Gallaher mine, near N. and W. K. K., 5 miles 
northeast from Abingdon. 

10. Iron Ore, red, from Rickets' mine. 

11. Iron Ore, red, from Gallaher mine. 

12. Iron Ore, red, from Gray mine, South Fork of Holston river. 

13. Iron Ore, fossil, dyestone, or Clinton, from Big Moccason Gap of Clinch 
mountain. 

14. Broum Iron Ore, Oriskany, from Clinch mountain. 

15. Brovm Iron Ore, from Potsdam shales. 

16. Broum Iron Ore, from Silurian shales of Iron mountain. 

17. Manganese, black oxide, from Potsdam shales of Iron mountain. 



114 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



WYTHE 

was formed in 1790 from Montgomery. Contains 363,404 acres, valued at $2,647- 
747. Population, 14,314. 

This county is an elevated mountain region, with three fertile valleys between 
the mountain ranges, which traverse it mainly from northeast to southwest. The 
Boil in these valleys is very productive, and gives abundant returns in large crops 
of grain, hay, and fine pasturage for cattle. 

The mountains are rugged and broken, but they are filled with abundant stores 
of mineral wealth ; and are clothed with finely grown trees of various kinds — 
oak, hickory, chestnut, ash, pine, lynn, maple, and walnut. 

Wythe is drained by New river and many of its tributaries which arise among 
lofty mountains, and, being fed by bold and constant springs, have abundant fall 
and volume during the driest seasons, affording vast amounts of water-power for 
mills and factories. 

The Norfolk and Western railroad runs through the centre of this county, and 
has a branch road leading from Martin's station in Pulaski, into the great mining 
region in the southeast part of Wythe. 

The minerals found in this county are immense in amount and value, and com- 
prise iron ores, zinc ores, lead ores, manganese, barytes, asbestos, coal, marble, 
soapstone, gypsum, and kaolin. These minerals have been developed and proven 
to exist in immense deposits, and are now being largely worked. There are in 
operation many blast furnaces, forges, smelting works, and rolling mills. 

Wytheville, the chief town and county-seat of Wythe, is a beautiful and flour- 
ishing place, possessing many attractions and solid advantages. Its healthful and 
bracing climate has caused it to become a great place of summer resort for south- 
erners and lowlanders— and it is the central town of a great mineral region, and 
a fine pastural and farming country as well. Population, 3,000. 

WYTHE COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

Prom Capt. F. J. Chapman. 

1. Limonite, Brown Iron Ore, from Walton Furnace. 

2. Limonite, from Van Liew Furnace Mine. 

3. Limonite, from Graham Furnace Mine. 

4. Limonite, from Frank Smith Mine, near Boom Furnace. 

5. Limonite, from Boom Furnace Mine. 

6. Limonite, from Pierce Furnace Mine. 

The following from Capt. C. R. Boyd : 

7. A Series of Lead, Zinc, Iron and Barytes Ores, illustrating Boyd's sections at 
Wythe Lead and Zinc Mines, and at Ivanhoe Furnace of Hendricks Bros. 

8. Zinc Ores, from Falling Cliff" Mine of D. S. Forney & Co. 

y. Brown Iron Ores and Turgite, from Irondale, Slaughter, Dunn <fc Co., Ea- 
vensclLff" and Speedwell deposits. Cripple Creek ,basin, from beds 20** to 120^ 
thick. 



fiAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 115 

10. Pig Metal, from Ivanhoe Furnace of Hendricks Bros. Stands breaking 
strain of 41,000 pounds. 

11. Copper Pyrites, from southern spurs of Lick mountain, containing 30 per 
cent, copper. 

12. Potsdam Sandstone, from Scolithu? bed, Lick mountain near Wytheville. 

13. Brown Oxide of Iron and Manganese Oxide, from 20^ bed of W. A. Stuart's 
15,000 acre tract. Lick mountain. 

14. Red Iron Ore, semi-magnetic, from 9^ bed of Frank Blair, near Wytheville. 

15. Brown Iron Ore, from Robert Crockett's lands, southern spur of Little 
Walker mountain, in No. X. Ore contains 50 per cent, metallic iron, and 0.80 of 
phosphorus. 

16. Kidney, or Hollow Iron Ore, black band, from outcrop 18^^ thick, in No. X, 
from Stony Fork. 

17. Bituminous Coal of No. X, from Stony Fork. 

18. Colce, made from the above coal. 

19. Ped and Brown Iron Ores, from black slates of No. VIII, from southern 
loot of Big Walker mountain. 

20. Clay Iron Ore, from base of black slates of No. VIII. 

21. Flint, from upper Helderberg, showing zinc blende, from south foot of Big 
Walker mountain. 

22. Brown Oxide of Iron, from 18' of No. VII I, Oriskany, south slope of Big 
Walker mountain. 

23. Brown Iron Ore, from No. VII, Oriskany, from lands of Boyd, Stearns & 
Co., Walker mountain. 

24. Brown Shale Iron Ores, of No. V, from same locality as above. 

25. Bed Shale Iron Ores, of No. V, from same locality as above. 

26. Fossils, Spirifers, 8fc., from No. IX, from Crockett Cove, Little Walker 
mountain. 

27. Fossil Coal Plants, from Proto-Carboniferous rocks. No. X, Stony Fork. 

28. Variegated Marble, from lands of Umbarger and others, near Wytheville. 

29. Limestone.. 

30. Limestone, No. II. 

31. Calcium Fluoride^ fluor spar, from Ked Creek, three miles west from Wythe- 
ville. 

32. Mineral Water, from Wytheville. 

33. Grindstone Pock, from base of No. X, Stony Fork of Reed Creek. 

34. Whetstone Bock, from No. IX, Old Red Sandstone Series, from Stony 
Fork. 

35. Fine Hone Grit, from lands of Boyd, Stearns and others, south slope of Big 
Walker mountain ; said to be equal in quality to the Scotch. 

36. Manganese Oxide, from Cravpfords. 

37. Sandstone, with Scolithus linearis, from Lick mountain range, largely used 
for backing and hearthstone in blast furnaces. 

38. Sandstone, for glass making, from Lick mountain lands of Stuart and others. 

39. Lead Sulphuret, from lands of Mr. Price, near Ivanhoe furnace. New River 
region. 

40. Iron Ore, from lands of Lobdel Car Wheel Co. ; from northern outcrop of 
Cripple creek. 

41. Iron Ore, brown, from Simmerman's, Cripple creek region. 



116 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



The following are from Old Poplar Camp Furnace, in the gap of Poplar Camp 
mountain, contributed by A. N. Chaffee, owner of the furnace property : 

42. Iron Ore, from Potsdam shales. 

43. Sandstone, Potsdam. 

44. Limestone, formerly used in Poplar Camp furnace. 

45. Oilstone, from Little Walker mountain, from Va. Department of Agricul- 
ture. 

46. Ochrous Silicate, from Sayers, New River, mouth of Reed Creek, from Va. 
Department of Agriculture. 

47. Manganese, from Guy Eun Iron lands of E. A. Packer, of N. Y. 

48. Faints, from ochres, &c., mined and made by H. Lerner, of Goshen, Va. 
mines on slope of Chambers mountain near west end of Goshen Pass. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 117 



BLUE RIDGE DIVISION OR NEW RIVER PLATEAU. 



This elevated plateau, situated between the two interesting and widely diverg- 
ing limbs of the bifurcation of the Blue Eidge, presents many features of high 
interest alike to the geologist and the practical miner. All of its ledges and 
bands of rock strata, its numerous deposits of ores and minerals, and its system 
of drainage, seem to have been projected on a scale of superior proportions. Its 
elevation above tide of about 2,609 feet average, secures for it perfect immunity 
from malarial diseases and its high mountains, wooded to the summit, bring the 
rains in due season ; so that, with greater facilities of transportation once se- 
cured to it, they will become a most formidable competitor with all other divisions 
as a factor in solving the question of the State's prosperity. 

As heretofore stated, the plateau of the Blue Eidge is composed of the three 
counties — Floyd, Carroll and Grayson. They are separated from the Valley 
Division by the westerly bifurcation of the Blue Eidge, under the names of Pilot 
mountain, Poplar Camp and Iron mountains, and from Piedmont by the southerly 
limb of that bifurcation. 

In the absence of lines of railway transportation, by which the superior beds 
and deposits of valuable ores would be developed, these counties now send to 
market from their naturally strong soil, herds of fine healthy cattle, flocks of sheep, 
much high-priced tobacco, wheat, dried fruit, herbs, &c., and possibly the finest 
apples produced in Virginia. This freestone soil — that is, the soil resulting from 
a decomposition in situ of extensive bands of granitoid rocks, gneiss, hornblende, 
aluminous slates, shales, feldspars, &c., in fact, all the wide range of silicates of 
alumina, potash, lime, soda, iron, &c., seems, at this elevation of over 2,000 feet 
above tide, and in latitude 36°40', to be the home of the apple, pear, peach, plum, 
and other fruits, in a sense, that means perfection in the fruit and unfailing crops, 
year after year, with the possible exception of the peach. Should railway trans- 
portation at last be supplied these counties, in order to develop their mineral re- 
sources, one of the first effects resulting would be the great stimulus given to the in- 
creased production of fruits and fine tobacco. The ores and minerals of greatest 
value in these systems of rocks — between the azoic, on the south margin, and the 
Huronian on the north — are magnetic, specular and brown ores of iron, sulphu- 
retted ores of iron and copper, lead and zinc, manganese, gold and sUver, nickel, 
mica, asbestos, granite, syenite, gneiss, steatite, baryta, feldspar, and potters and 
fire-brick clays, quartz, &c. 

Beginning in Floyd and proceeding southwest, gold is found on Laurel creek ; 
magnetic iron ore shows in a band two miles south of Floyd courthouse; at 
Toncray copper mine 4 feet thick and now and then throughout the range on the 



118 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

south side of Carroll and Grayson. Another great line of magnetites commenc, 
Ing south of the gold belt in Floyd, and proceeding southwest near the great copper 
veins of Carroll, becomes of high commercial importance in Grayson, both from 
its measures and great purity. 

Two miles north of Old Town, in Grayson, and then south of Independence, 
near New river, and where the same ledges pass out southwest below the mouth 
of Wilson, in Grayson, these magnetites are quite valuable and extensive. Near 
these are occasional bodies of specular iron ores. 

The copper ores, combined with sulphurets, are in large quantity at Toncray 
and other mines in Floyd, as oxides, carbonates and sulphurets, on what is fa- 
miliarly known as the southern lode ; then northwardly towards Laurel and 
Brush creeks, the sulphuretted lodes of eopper and iron which becomes so exten- 
sive in Carroll, seem to make some surface exhibits. 

In CarroU county, on a line north of the courthouse, these great copper deposits 
running northeast and southwest are fully twenty miles in length, in veins over 
26 feet thickness, dipping southeast and frequently assuming a thickness above 
60 feet and sometimes 150 feet between floor and roof— generally, this floor and 
roof is Talco— micaceous slate interspersed now and then with quartz. This de- 
posit continues on southwest through Grayson, along a line near Old Town and 
Kew river, and passes on toward Ducktown. 

Close analyses of these sulphuretted ores show them to average from 1.70 to 5 
per cent, of copper, 40 to 46 per cent, of sulphur, and about 50 per cent, of iron. 
Their decompesition down to about 45 feet below the surface has left large quan- 
tities of limonite on the surface, by which the veins are easily traced ; down in 
the deposits, just above the undecomposed ores, are considerable bodies of black 
oxide of copper, copper glance, &c. 

The tonnage from these deposits would necessarily be immense once transpor- 
tation was assured. Then again, south of Carroll Courthouse are handsome ex- 
hibits of native copper, as showing at Sutphin's, Early's, Ac. ; copper pyrites is 
even built into the foundation of the courthouse in stone taken from the northeast 
continuation of what is known as the Peachbottom vein, a deposit that extends 
southwest through Carroll and Grayson into North Carolina. 

The greater ledges of granite, gneiss, syenite, «fcc., are found in Grayson county, 
north of the Courthouse, in Point Lookout and Buck mountains, and in Balsam 
and White Top mountains. Soapstone ledges are found near the great copper 
and iron sulphuret lode (south of it). Mica and asbestus are found in the south- 
east side of Grayson. Asbestus also in Floyd and Carroll, in the Blue Ridge, 
south side of the county, and the rest of the minerals named are generally dis- 
tributed. 

This plateau is noted for the perennial flow of its fine, clear streams, their 
volume and their fall per mile being such as to give them high importance and 
usefulness. New river. Little river and some of their larger tributaries will each 
give powers of very large dimensions. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 119 



BLUE EDGE BY COUNTIES. 



COUNTIES. 

Floyd. 

Carroll. 

Grayson. 



120 hand-'book of vibginia. 



BLUE RIDGE DIVISION. 



FLOYD 



was formed in 1831 from Montgomery. It is 38 miles long with a mean width of 
18 miles, and has 239,415 acres of land, valued at $1,017,397. Population, 13,221. 
It is surrounded by the counties of Patrick, Carroll, Pulaski, Montgomery, and 
Franklin, and lies between two prominent ranges of the Blue Eidge. mountains. 
The surface is rolling ; the soil is fertile, and well adapted to the grains and grasses. 
The products are tobacco, wheat, corn, oats, hay. Many fine horses, mules, cat- 
tle, sheep and hogs are raised in this county. The finer grades of tobacco are 
raised here, and bring a considerable revenue to the county. It is watered by 
Little river and its many branches. This is aa elevated and healthy region, and 
possesses a delightful summer climate. Fruit-raising is profitable. Its nearest 
railroad is the Norfolk and Western, passing through the adjoining counties of 
Montgomery and Pulaski. It is hoped that the Franklin and Pittsylvania rail- 
road will soon be extended into this county. The timber consists of white oak, 
red oak, black oak, chestnut oak, hickory, white ash, pine, walnut, dogwood, 
maple, blackgum, and chestnut. About one-half of the area of the county is in 
original forest timber of the varieties named . 

Minerals are found in different localities — gold, iron, copper, and ochre ; also, 
a very fine quality of soapstone and asbestus, in large quantities. The copper ore 
is very valuable. The soapstone is valuable in the construction of furnaces for 
smelting operations. 

The gold discoveries on Laurel creek, in Floyd county, are proving valuable. 

FLOYD COUNTY MINERALS AT NEW OBLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Red Iron Ore, from Ultizers' ford. 

2. Terra Cotfa Clays with Soapstone, from Dr. H. Clarks' leases, corner of 
Floyd, Carroll, and Patrick. 

3. Arsenopyrite, with 32 ounces of silver to the ton, from upper waters of Boan- 
oke river. 

4. Steatite, from near Floyd Courthouse. 

5. Gold Ore, from Brush creek, from W. H. Harman, Floyd Courthouse. 

6. Kaolin, from near Floyd Courthouse, W. H. Harman. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 121 



CARROLL 

was formed in 1842 from Grayson. It contains 355,731 acres, valued at $551,741. 
Population, 13.323. 

This is the central one of the three counties of that elevated plateau, formed by 
the bifurcation of the Blue Ridge range of mountains— Floyd and Grayson being 
the other two. The surface is much broken and mountainous, but there are many 
rich valleys and fertile plains, and the hill lands and mountain sides afford grass 
and pasturage of the best description. The soil varies greatly in color and tex- 
ture, but is uniformly fertile. 

The productions are tobacco, wheat, corn, oats, grass and fruits. Fruits are 
produced in great perfection here, especially the apple and grape. 

A large portion of the county is still in timber of the original forest growth, 
consisting mostly of the oak and other hard wood trees. There are some very 
good bodies of white pine in the northwestern section of the county. 

New river and many of its large tributaries flow through the county, and 
furnish much valuable water-power. 

Carroll is without railroad facilities except the northwest borders, near which 
runs the " Cripple Creek Branch " of tlie Norfolk and Western railroad into the 
southern part of Wythe. 

This region is very rich in minerals, consisting of iron ores, copper, lead, zinc, 
steatite, mica, etc. The following specimens of minerals from this county were 
exhibited at the New Orleans Exposition : 

CARKOLL COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW^ ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Copper^ carbonates and pyrites, in siliceous gangue, from Peachbottom veins 
at Dobbyns. 

2. Iron and Copper Pyrites, from beded vein 28 inches thick and 20 miles long,, 
near Cranberry Plains. 

3. Copper Sulphuret, same locality as above. 

4. Iron Ore, Hydrated Peroxide, from cap of pyrites beded vein, same place as 
1 and 2. 

5. Native Copper and Gangue, from Sutphin mine, averages 5 percent, of metal. 

6. Mineral Water, from Grayson Sulphur Springs. 

7. Copper and Iron Pyrites, with copper carbonate and gangue, from ore bands 
southern side of Floyd and Carroll. 

8. Copper Pyrites, from Wildcat mines, near Hillsville. 

9. Copper Pyrites and Magnetic Pyrites, from Cranberry mines, near Hillsville. 

10. Magnetic Pyrites, occurs in immense quantities in massive ledges. 

11. Mica-Schist, occurs in large amounts near Hillsville, and is well suited for 
quarrying. 

12. Copper Pyrites, from property of S. S. & J. E. Clayton, 6 S. Gay street,. 
Baltimore. 

The following from the Virginia Department of Agriculture : 

13. Iron Ore, hematite. 

14. Iron Ore, limonite, from Martin Dalton. 

15. Lead Ore, from Martin Dalton. 



122 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

16. Iron Ore, from same. 

17. Gneiss, from J. J. McGrady. 

18. Mica Slate, from same. 

16. Iron Ore, from Martin Dalton. 

GEAYSON 

was formed in 1792 from Wythe. It borders on the North Carolina line, and is 
bounded by Smyth, Wythe and Carroll. The western portion is mountainous, 
but its eastern and central parts lie in a fertile valley, and comprise a fine farming 
section. The productions are corn, wheat, oats, &c. This is a good grass region, 
and raises a great number of cattle, horses, sheep, &c. Population, 13,074. It 
<5ontains 251,645 acres of land ; assessed at $594,826. 

Bees and poultry thrive well. Fruit raising is an interesting and profitable 
business. The climate is pleasant and healthy, and the natural advantages of this 
section are very great. It lacks railroad facilities, the nearest road being the Nor- 
folk and Western, passing through the adjoining county of Smyth. 

This county has valuable mineral resources ; copper (very rich), iron, mica, granite 
asbestos and steatite are found here. An iron ore of peculiar character is found 
in Grayson and Wythe, yielding, it is said, in some cases, by usual smelting pro- 
cess, a metal having all the qualities of steel. 

Grayson is one among the best-watered counties in the State. New river and 
its tributaries traverse every part of it and afford abundant water-power for all 
kinds of machinery. Bat owing to the lack of transportation little manufactur- 
ing is carried on. One or two forges partially supply the home demand for iron, 
and recently one or two woolen mills have been erected. Timber is abundant, 
consisting principally of white and yellow pine, white oak, red oak, chestnut oak, 
some walnut and cherry, chestnut, hickory, maple, &c. 

The one great need of this county is a railroad, and it will be as great a boon 
to other parts of the State as to the county. Two or three lines of railroad have 
been chartered through this county, and it is confidently believed that some one 
of them will be built in the near future. 

Grayson is becoming noted for the number of neat white churches which dot 
its hills and valleys, and which indicate to the stranger the religious sentiment of 
its people. Several high schools, as well as the public school system, are in a 
prosperous condition. New framed school houses are rapidly taking the place of 
the less comfortable ones heretofore used. 

GRAYSON COUNTY MINERALS AT NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Magnetic Iron Ore, from 3^ vein, two and one-half miles from Old Town, 
metallic iron 70 per cent., Capt. C. R. Boyd. 

2. Magnetic Iron Ore, from beds of Slaughter, Dunn & Co., from Capt. C. R. 
Boyd. 

3. Hematite Iron Ore, from Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

4. Pyrite, S. M. Dickey, from Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

5. Chalcopyrite, H. Williams. " " *' 

6. Gneiss, H, Williams. " " 

7. Magnetite, " " " 

8. Magnetite, black oxide of iron, from Maj. W. K. Armistead, of Abingdon. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGIKEA. 123 



APPALACHIA. 



Appalachia, with its long ranges of iiigh mountains, shows in Southwestern 
Virginia some of its greater mountains so formed as to be well-calculated to call 
forth from a skillful general, as was General Washington, a remark meant to con- 
vey the idea that he would use them as an impregnable defence. Possibly he, in 
speaking in that sense of " the mountains of West Augusta," meant the very 
ranges that occupy the middle of Appalachia ; and, apparently, make great natu- 
ral fortresses, like Burk's Garden is in appearance , * 

This elevated mountain basin, in Tazewell county, in the very heart of the great 
Clinch range, contains about 30,000 acres of the most fertile blue grass land, and 
is surrounded by high, almost mural, mountain escarpments, all round, except at 
one point on the north side, where the waters of this singularly beautiful basin 
break through and form Wolk creek. 

In the counties composing Appalachia, doubtless, there are many other locali- 
ties of equal beauty and character as points of strategical importance ; but this is 
slight indeed when compared with their value as the depositories of great mineral 
wealth, the storehouses of the rain and moisture, and the great barriers agaisst 
the too sudden incursion of the great northern storms. 

This interesting group of counties is made up, geologically, of the rocks between 
the earlier Palaeozoic (leaving out the Primordial) and the lower carboniferous, 
inclusive, disposed in long, generally parallel lines, running northeastwardly and 
southwestwardly. Their rather irregular boundary line, on the southeast, pur- 
sues the general line of the great North mountains under various local names, as 
before stated ; and having the Alleghany mountains a part of the way, and the 
eastern limb of the Cumberland mountains for a considerable distance on its 
northwest side. The whole territory, of about 3,800 square miles, is immensely 
important to the State for quite numerous: reasons ; among which, it may be stated, 
are the vast areas of superior grazing lands, in limestone valleys ; extensive forests 
of excellent deciduous and soft woods, and some of the most important mineral- 
bearing series of rock formations in the State. 

The great crust of the earth was broken up several times in the cosmical action 
by which it was formed, giving five or six repetitions of the great bands of which 
it is composed, in most of its transverse sections, from which have resulted most 
valuable alternations of mountain and valley, of limestone grass lands, and 
wooded ridges and mountains. These mountains are usually composed of a 
greater and a lesser range, coextensive and parallel — the larger holding the valu- 
able iron and manganese-bearing rocks of the upper Silurian period, lying north- 



124 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

wardly, and the smaller, the rocks of the latter half of the Devonian period, lying 
southwardly, with a valley of slate between. Tliis smaller range frequently holds^ 
on its south flank, valuable deposits of proto-carboniferous coal, as in Bland county 
and north parts of Alleghany county ; but in Giles and Craig counties these coal' 
rocks seem to be cut out by faults. 

There is also a line of these very lowest of coal rocks in the southwestern corner 
of Wise county, and thence southwest through Lee along the east flank of the 
Cumberland mountains ; but coal is not in them like it is in the great coal rocks 
close on, the north of them. 

In some localities the largor mountains are great curved anticlines, giving valu- 
able and extensive outcrops of iron and manganese ores (Rogers' numbers V to 
VII and VIII inclusive), as is in the case of Eich Patch mountain, of Alleghany 
and north side of Botetourt county; Potts or Middle mountain, of Alleghany 
county ; Salt Pond mountain in Giles and Round mountain iu. Bland county. 
These great anticlines are sometimes broken along their crests and spread apart 
longitudinally — apparently by some great end pressure — bringing to view the 
great fossil bearing limestones of III and IV, as in the ease of Sinking creek, 
Giles county, and of Burk's Garden and Thompson & Ward's coves, Tazewell 
county, thus accounting for the wonderful fertility of those areas, so high as 
2,600 to 3,600 feet above the sea level. These repeated breaks in the great crust 
give such fertile limestone belts as those of Nanny's creek and Dunlap's creek, of 
Alleghany; the number VI limestone belt of Pott's creek; Sinking creek, of 
Craig and Giles counties; the great basin of New river in Giles county, and the 
lines of Wolf and Walker's creeks in Giles and Bland counties ; Burk's Garden 
and the great coves and valleys of Tazewell, on Clincli and Bluestone rivers and 
tributaries ; the great coves, valleys and rich limestone gardens of Russell county, 
and of Scoci county, and the like splendid grass valleys of Powell's valley in Lee 
county. Abb's valley in Tazwell and upper Powell's valley, of Wise, owe their 
rich limestone belts to like upthrows of sub-carboniferous rocks. 

This region is marked by of cen repeated sections of some of the most valuable 
geological formations so far recorded ; to go into any detailed description of whiclv 
would necessitate the enumeration of nearly the whole range of rock strata com- 
prised between the Archaean age and the carboniferous period, inclusive, with all 
their valable stores of granite, syenite, gneiss, steatite, mica, asbestos, feldspar, 
quartz, glass sand, magnetic and specular iron ores, copper, gold and silver oreSy 
nickel, manganese, tin, sulphur, zinc, lead, limonite and other ores of iron, 
barytes, gypsum, salt, petroleum, slate, honestone, grindstone, building stone, 
limestone, marble, cement stone, potters and firebrick clays, and bituminous, 
semi-bituminous, splint, cannel and semi-anthracite coals, and thermal and 
mineral waters — beginning such description in the Archaean on the southeast or 
Blue Ridge side, and ending it in the carboniferous rocks, on the northwest or 
Cumberland side. These various extensive bands or ledges of rocks, where they 
protrude above the surface, disclose a general strike or trend northeast and south- 
west, dipping at all angles, from positions almost perpendicular to nearly flat — 
the mountains and valleys generally showing the steeper dips inclining usually 
to southeastward, while the strata of the Cumberland plateau, or coal rocks, are 
found, in the main, nearly flat, with the whole broad expanse so presented ta 
view as to render easily accessible much the greater part of the various minerals 
just mentioned. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 125 

The convulsions and disturbances of the earth's surface by which the great 
mountains composing the Appalachian chain in Virginia were formed as a whole, 
acted in such a way as to erect numerous greater and lesser lines of nearly 
parallel ridges, separated from each other by valleys, many of which are several 
times broader than the bases of the mountains by which they are bounded — re- 
sulting, as is the case in the great Southwest Valley and the valleys of the Hol- 
ston, Walker's creek, Clear Fork, Clinch and Powell's rivers, and Giles and Burk 
Garden Basins, in the very extensive areas of fine grazing and farming lands, 
which owe their great natural fertility to the decomposition of massive bands of 
limestone, of which the rock material in these valleys, in great part, consists. 
But in these convulsions there were two most remarkable departures from the 
parallelism which marked their action throughout this region. One of them is 
shown on the easterly side of the Appalachians, in a great hifurcation of the Blue 
Ridge at the point where nearly join the counties of Roanoke, Floyd, Mont- 
gomery and Franklin, whence trend the two great arms of this bifurcation west- 
wardly and southwardly, enveloping in their wide grasp the rich mineral plateau 
<M>mposed of the counties of Floyd, Carroll and Grayson. 

The other remarkable evidence of this action is shown on the more westernly 
side of the Appalachians, in a bifurcation of the Cumberland mountain in Lee 
county, whence its two great arms trend eastwardly and northeastwardly, en- 
veloping those noble coal areas comprised in a part of Lee county, nearly all of 
Wise, and the whole of Dickenson and Buchanan counties, and projecting a strip 
of coal rocks, of well ascertained value, into Tazewell, Russell and Scott coun- 
ties .... The Blue Ridge plateau, so enveloped as described before, shows 
only one or two ledges of limestone ; but derives the great fertility, observed in 
much of its soil, from the decomposition of heavy bands of aluminous silicates of 
potash, lime, iron, &c.; while the nearly similarly shaped plateau of the Cum- 
berland owes whatever of fertility its soils may possess, to the wearing of sand- 
stones, slates, &c, holding organic matter of fossils with some lime variously 
combined, and, in a few localities, thin beds of limestones, intercalated between 
the much heavier strata of sandstones and slates. 

The great mountains bounding, and often dividing the extensive valleys longi- 
tudinally have a general elevation, above the valleys, of 1,000 to 1,600 feet, while 
the valleys are from 1,000 to 2,800 feet above sea-level. 

On the southeast side of this extensive region is the Blue Ridge, forming, in its 
straighter alignment and prolongation, the southeast boundary of the great Val- 
ley of Virginia, throughout its extent. 

Passing over numerous broken ridges, in the Valley itself, the great IsTorth 
mountains, under various names, such as The Gap, Walker's, and Clinch moun- 
tains, form the northwest boundary of the Great Valley, toward the southwest 
end, also forming the southeast boundary of Appalachia in the main ; though the 
northeastward continuation of the Clinch range, after reaching Burk's Garden 
and passing that lovely mountain basin, going northeast, divides Appalachia 
nearly in two — as is the case in Garden, Round Mountain, asd their south-flank- 
ing ridge (Big Brushy), Wolf Creek, Pearis, Angel's Rest, Butte, and Salt-Pond 
mountains, upon which, at an elevation of 4!,'r00 feet above sea-level, is the famous 
Mountain Lake, the origin of which dates back a little more than one hundred 
years. 

Then, north of this a short distance, a part of Appalachia is bounded northwest 
by Peter's and East River mountains— the boundary line, at the east end of Taze- 



126 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA, 

well county, jumping across from East River mountain to Flat Top (near Poeahon- 
tas\ which, with its continuations— Sandy Ridge and Stone mountains, &c., com- 
posing the eastern bifurcation of the Cumberland mountain — form the northwest 
boundary of Appalachia proper, toward the southwest. 

Then, Trans-Appalachia holds on its northwest side, next Kentucky, the last of 
Virginia's great mountains — the Cumberland. 

This importaat section of Virginia, so formed into such noble alternations of 
mountain and valley, hill and dale, of pasture and woodland, with its magnificent 
and inexhaustible repositories of mineral wealth, present a topography, systems 
of drainage and resulting atmospheric conditions, of superior excellence, which, 
together with its position on favorable parallels of latitude, combine to render it 
equal if not superior to any area of like size in the world. 

The different systems of drainage so established may be enumerated as follows : 

1. That of James river, flowing east into the Atlantic ocean ; its tributaries wa- 
tering this territory being Otter creek, Roaring Run, Stone river. Purgatory, 
Looneys, Catawba, Craigs, Johns, Longs, Entry and Sinking creeks ; Jackson's 
river. Cow Pasture river, Wilson's, Mill, Potts, Dunlaps, and Indian Draft creeks, 
and many minor tributaries. These chiefly drain the counties of Bath, Highland, 
Botetourt, Alleghany and Craig, and a small part of Roanoke of this territory. 

2. That of Roanoke river, flowing southeast through the Staunton and Dan 
river into the Atlantic ocean. Its tributaries, with which this paper is concerned, 
are Back creek. Wolf, Glade, Tinkers, Mudlick, Peters, Cravens, Masons, Mill 
creeks, and others ; South Fork, North Fork, and their tributaries draining a 
small part of Botetourt, the greater part of Roanoke county, more than half of 
Montgomery, and a small area of Floyd county. 

3. That of New river, which flows northward and northwest, forming the Great 
Kanawha, and delivers its waters through the Ohio and Mississippi rivers into the 
Gulf of Mexico. Its tributaries watering this territory are : East river. Wolf 
creek. Big and Little Stony, Doe and Sinking creeks, Mill and Walkers creeks, 
Morris Run, Back, Toms, Watts, Stroubles, Crab, Plum, Peak and Mack's creeks. 
Little river and its tributaries ; Big and Little Reed Island creeks ; Pine, Reed, 
Poplar-Camp and Cripple creeks ; Crooked, Chestnut and Brush creeks ; Upper 
Little river and tributaries ; Elk, Peachbottom, Bridle, Saddle, Wilsons, Grassy, 
Helton, Big and Little Horse creeks, and many minor tributaries. All of which 
drain, in whole or in nart, the following counties : Giles, Bland, southeast side of 
Tazewell, west end of Craig, much of Montgomery, Pulaski, nearly all of Floyd 
(except some water gaps in Blue Ridge by the headwaters of the tributaries of 
Dan river), Wythe, a small area of Smyth, Grayson, and all of Carroll except that 
part which overlaps the Blue Ridge and is drained by the headwaters of Ararat, 
a tributary of Dan river. 

4. The drainage by the system of the Tennessee river, subdivided into : (a) that 
of the south, middle and north forks of Holston river and their tributaries ; (b) 
Clinch river and tributaries ; and (c) Powells river and tributaries, all of which, 
when united in the Tennessee river, flow westernly, thence through the Ohio and 
Mississippi rivers into the Gulf of Mexico. These drain, in whole or in part, the 
counties of Smyth, Washington, Tazewell, Russell, Scott and Lee, and a large 
area [of Wise county. 

5. The Louisa, Russell and Pound Forks of Sandy river and their tributaries. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 127 

draining the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson and a large part of Wise county, 
and flowing northwardly into the Ohio river. 

These five extensive drainage systems, deriving their erosive power no less 
from their constancy than their great flood volumes, have, in the course of time, 
greatly modified the topography of this region. But, as in the case of Johns 
creek, a tributary of James river, whose head springs are quite 4,300 feet above 
the sea, near Mountain lake ; tributaries of New river rising on White Top and 
Balsam mountains, fully 5,400 feet above tide ; headwaters of Holston river, rising 
at Bear Town, near Burk's Garden, 4,700 feet above tide ; and of Powell's river 
at Stone mountain, 4,000 feet above the sea, we have left to us, by these streams, 
and, also, unaffected by the agencies of ice and snow, these splendid contrasts in 
the elevations and depressions of this section's topography, which secure to the 
region not only a healthful and invigorating summer climate, that is fast tending 
to make it the sanitarium of the south ; but adds no less to the beauty of the 
scenery, than security against any lengthened failure of rainfall. 

Note — In the foregoing general description of " Appalachia " it is not clearly 
stated that in this division is included all of Virginia west of the great Valley, 
the sub-division defined on the small map as "Trans- Appalachia," being treated 
as a part of the Grand Division. The great Appalachian chain, which is regarded 
as the dominant feature of the mountain system composing this region, gives its 
name thereto, and the term has not a very well-defined application, but it is suffi- 
cient for the present purpose to state that it comprises the thirteen counties west 
and north of the Valley Division. 

To avoid confusion, attention is again called to the fact that county lines do not 
correspond accurately with the geological divisions of the State. It will be ob- 
served (see small map) that a strip of Appalachia extends along the whole tier of 
the Valley counties, taking in the western edge of Augusta, Rockingham, Shenan- 
doah and Frederick, but by far the greater part of these counties being in the 
Valley, the edge projected into Appalachia is not considered separately. 

And only the southern section of the "Blue Ridge," where it broadens out into 
the " plateau " embracing the three counties of Floyd, Carroll and Grayson is 
taken account of separately, the long narrow "ridge" north of Floyd being 
divided between the Valley and Piedmont. 

As was natural, the writer of the last papers has regarded his subject with the 
eye of a geologist and mineralogist rather than with that of a farmer, and per- 
haps has not brought out the magnificent agricultural capabilities of this favored 
region as prominently as might be desired and deserved. In truth, the mineral 
wealth of the country described is so vast that it could hardly fail to engross the 
attention of a specialist in that line to the exclusion of other subjects of consid- 
eration. At a future time I hope that these other parts of the picture will be 
filled in by a hand as eager and as full of the subject as the writer of the last 
paper is of his specialty. — Com. of Agriculture. 



128 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



COUNTIES OF APPALACHIA. 



Natural Sub-Divisions. Counties. 

f Highland. 

Sources of James 1 Alleo-hany. 

' (.Craig. 

New River Country \ Bland. 

f Tazewell. 

Clinch River Country., i Scott. 

(.Lee. 

{Buchanan. 
"Wise. 
Dickenson. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 129 



APPALACHIA BY COUNTIES. 



ALLEGHANY 

was formed in 1822 from Bath, Botetourt andfMonroe. It is twenty-six miles 
long and has a mean breadth of twenty miles, with an area of 463,500 acres, 
assessed at $958,000. Population, 5,586. 

The surface is mostly broken and mountainous, but there are some considerable 
valley lands of the finest limestone soils, producing excellent crops of tobacco, 
grain, fruits and grass. The main business of the farmers is grazing and rearing 
cattle, horses, sheep and swine. The mountains are clothed with immense 
forests of valuable timber, and are filled with iron ores of great purity and value. 
These ores have been largely developed and worked in the various furnaces in the 
county, of which "Clifton Forge," "Low Moor" and "Longdale" are the prin- 
cipal. Pig iron is turned out by these furnaces in great amounts and at low 
cost. 

The country is watered by Jackson and Cow Pasture rivers, which unite near 
the eastern border and form the James. The Chesapeake and Ohio railway tra- 
verses this county centrally, passing through Covington, the county seat. The 
Eichmond and Alleghany railroad connects at Clifton Forge with the Chesapeake 
and Ohio railway, and with its easy grades affords much relief to the heavy haul- 
ing of the great amounts of metal from this region. 

This is a healthy region and the summer climate|i3 delightful. The mountain 
lands are cheap, and, no doubt, capable of being utilized to a much greater ex- 
tent than now in the stock raising business. 

Covington, the county town, is a place of commercial importance, very favor- 
ably situated for trade. Low Moor, eight miles lower down on the Chesapeake 
and Ohio railway, is rapidly growing into a manufacturing town, the great iron 
works here being the nucleus. 

ALLEGHANY COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Fossil Iron Ore, from Clinton No. V, beds in Clifton Forge Pass, Eichmond 
and Alleghany railroad. 

From Low Moore Iron Company. 

2. Limonite Iron Ore, lump, from company's mine*in No.gVII, Oriskany. 

3. Limonite Iron Ore, washed, from'same. 

4. Limestone, No. VI Lower Helderberg; from quarry No. 1, used for flux. 

9 



vl30 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

5. Coke, made at Low Moor furnace, in company's ovens, and used in that fur- 
nace. 

6. Coal, from No. XII or lower coal measures ; from New River field of West 
Virginia on C. and O. R. R , from which above coke was made. 

7. Sample of Coke Pig Irons made at Low Moor furnace from above ores : No. 
1, foundry pig; No. 2, foundry pig; No. 1, mill pig; No. 2, mill pig; No. 3, 
close mill pig ; No. 4, silvery pig ; No. 5, mottled pig ; No. 6, white pig ; No. 7, 
part of "Salamander " blown from furnace " well " with " Atlas " powder after 
blast No. 2 of Low Moor furnace. 

18. Limomte Iron Ore, from Iron Mountain mines, on Pounding Mill run. 

19. Stalactites and Stalagmites and other cave rocks from a cave in Lower Hel- 
derburg, No. VI limestone, near Low Moor station, C. and O. R. R. 

20 to 23. Five boxes Pig Iron, grades from No. I to mottled, inclusive, with the 
characteristic cinder for each grade ; from the Longdale furnaces. 

24. Box of Lower Helderberg No. VI limestone, used for flux in Longdale fur- 
naces. 

25. Box of Coke, used in Longdale furnaces, from the Sewell coal, bed and 
ovens of Longdale Company, at Sewell, W. Va., from New river or No. XII^ 
Lower measures coal. 

26. Box or lump ore, brown hematite, from Oriskany, or No. VII, from mines 
of Longdale Company, in Brushy mountain, near head of Simpson's creek- 

27. Unwashed ore, or pay dirt, of above mines. 

28. Washed ore of above mines. 

29. Refuse from washer in washing above ores. 

30 and 31. Clay and flint from top and bottom, respectively, of above iron mines. 

32. Lump of Cadmia, from deposition from fumes in throats of Longdale blast 
furnaces. 

33. Limonite, brown iron ore, lump weighing 625 pounds and box, from west 
side Peter's mountain, on Dunlap creek, two and a half miles south from Trice 
switch of C. and 0. R. R., from mine of Keyser & McAllister, of Backbone, Va., 
from which some 25 tons are daily shipped to Etna Iron Works, Irohton, Ohio. 

34. Limonite, brown iron ore, from fine deposit in No. VII Oriskany, at lower 
end of Clifton Forge pass, R. and A. R. R, 

35. Limonite, brown iron ore, No. VII or Oriskany, from cuts 1, 2, 3 and 4, and 
washed ore, ;from tlie "Stack" mine, near Backbone station, 0. and O. R. R. 

36. Limonite, brown iron ore, "lump" and "pipe," from Rumsey mine. 

37. Hematite, Specular or Magnetic Iron Ore, from Rumsey mine. 

BATH 

was formed in 1790 from parts of Augusta, Greenbrier and Botetourt, and is now 
one of the border counties. It has an area of 932 square miles or 617,402 acres, 
assessed at $803,715. This shows a very low valuation ; but the large proportion 
of waste mountain land explains this. Some of the valleys are exceedingly fer- 
tile and beautiful — the soil formed from disintegrated limestone — producing grain 
and grass luxuriantly ; even in the mountains there is good grazing ; so that this 
is a most excellent stock-raising county, beautifully watered by clear mountain 
streams, fiowing into the Jackson and Cow Pasture rivers, which meander 
through this county and unite some miles below, near the borders of Alleghany 
and Botetourt. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 131 

The poptilation of this county is small, only 4,525, or about 5 to the square 
mile ; but the people are independent and prosperous, having a healthful and 
beautiful pastoral country. 

The Cbesiipeake and Ohio railroad passes through the southeastern part of the 
county, giving an outlet for the abundant products, and access to the many at- 
tractive watering places of this county. Nature has been prodigal to Bath in re- 
spect to mineral springs. The Warm Sulphur, the Hot, the Healing, have long 
been celebrated — the " Warm Sulphur "for near a century. Here is the county 
seat "Warm Springs," an attractive village in the rich " Warm Springs Valley " 
In the southeastern part of the county, near the railroad, we have another group 
the Bath Alum, Millboro, Wallawhatoola. To these resort < multitudes of sum- 
mer visitors are attracted by the health-giving waters, pure air, idvely scenery, 
fine fishing and shooting, and excellent fare of this favored region. 

There is much iron ore in this county, some of it has been worked successfully 
for many years. 

Fine timber abounds in Bath, oak, walnut, pine, poplar, chestnut, sugar maple, 
hickory, &c. 

BA.TH COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Virginia Department Agriculture. 

1. Limonite Iron Ore, No. VH, Oriskany, from Joseph Baxter, Esf., Bath Alum 
Springs. 

2. Manganese Ore, from Col. Wm. McClintic. 

3. Eed and Brown Iron Ores, from J. C. Harvey, Esq. 

4. Kaolin, 

5. Ochre, deep red, from deposit on land of Mrs. M. M. Bratton on Mill Creek, 
near C. & O E. R. Contributed by Rev. Samuel Brown, Millboro.' 

BLAND. 

Bland county was formed in 1861 from Wythe, Tazewell and Giles. Seddon is 
the county seat, and is located in the Walker's creek valley, near the centre of 
the county, with turnpikes diverging east, west, north and south. Several 
mountain ranges traverse the county from northeast to southwest, making beau- 
tiful and fertile valleys, with rolling hills between, threaded by streams as clear 
and sparkling as the dews of heaven. These mountains are filled with chromic, 
hematite, magnetic, paint and specular iron ores, lead, kaolin, ochre, barytes, 
copper and slate ; are covered with a heavy forest of oaks, chestnut, hickory, ash, 
walnut, poplar, cucumber, lynn, locust, pine, maple, both hard and soft. There 
is no outlet for this untold wealth that is mountain-bound and locked up where 
nature formed it. Several railroad lines have been projected, and there are good 
hopes of some of them being built in the near future. 

There are several mineral springs in the county, the most noted of which are 
Sharon springs and Kimberling springs. The former are seven miles west of 
Bland courthouse, on the turnpike leading from Wytheville to Jefferson ville. 
These springs are recommended in scrofulous diseases. At these springs there is 
a vein of coal eleven feet and 4 inches thick, and said to be of the finest quality. 

Kimberling springs are seven miles north of Bland courthouse, ensconced right 
in the bosom of the mountains, with all the charms that belong to natnre in her 
silent and dreamy mood. 



132 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

Bland is a grazing county, and her capacity for grazing is being increased every 
year. She is not far behind the foremost counties in the State in sending off her 
fine fat bullocks to the eastern markets. The sheep industry is profitable, and is 
increasing every year, and would increase more rapidly if the cultivation of the 
miserable dog was abandoned. Horses, mules and hogs of good blood are raised 
for home use, besides a great many for market. 

Population, 5,004. Number of acres of land, 212,272, assessed at $449,603. 

The waters of the eastern portion of the county flow east and empty into New 
river, while those in the western portion flow west and empty into the Hol- 
ston river ; Sharon springs being the head waters of the Holston river, and are 
2,849 feet abeve the level of the sea. 

Wheat, corn, ©ats, rye and buckwheat are cultivated to perfection; some 
tobacco raised, though not much. Nearly all the domestic grasses are raised. 
Blue grass, poa pratensis, comes of its own accord, being a native of the soil, 
and is the king of grasses. 

Apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries and grapes do well when properly 
attended to. Many varieties of grapes grow wild, some of which make a fine 
quality of wine. 

The county is well watered with the finest of springs, of both lime and free- 
stone water, and several large creeks, affording plenty of water and the finest 
sites for all kinds of machinery, with plenty of sand stone, and blue and gray 
limestone for building purposes. 

The finances of the county have been well managed, and the county is out of 
debt. 

The people are sober, industrious, and thriving, possessed with as much energy 
as the people of any county in the Commonwealth ; and be it said to the honor 
of her citizens, that there is not a bar room in the county, and has not been for 
years. Her people always extend a welcome hand to all who are seeking homes, 
or permanent investments, to come into her borders and help build up, and de- 
velop her latent wealth hid in the earth, and set the waters to humming to the 
music of the spindle, and the loom, and the locomotive. 

Good churches are found in almost every neighborhood, with as much tolera- 
tion and as little bigotry as can be found among Christian people elsewhere. 

BLAND COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Captain C. E. Boyd. 

1. Brown Iron Ore, large deposit in No. Ill; lands of S. H. Newberry. 

2. Specular Iron Ore, fine quality, from base of No. IH; lands of Newberry 
and others. 

S. Brown Iron Ore, cubical pseudomorph after pyrites; land of Harman New- 
berry. 

4. Iron Ores, from No. X, from south foot of Brushy mountain, near Sharon 
Springs ; lands of Newberry and others. 

5. Coal, from No. X, proto-carboniferous, near Sharon Springs ; lands of New- 
berry and others. 

6. Bed and Brown Iron Ores, from No. VIII, slates, from Bound mountain, 
Hunting Camp, and Wolf creeks. 

7. Brown Iron Ore, compact, from rocks overlying No. VII, Oriskany ; good 
for basic process and for cutting into settings. 



HAND-BOOK OP VIRGINIA. 133 

8. Fossil, Petraia Comiculum, from No. III. 

9. Bed and Brown Iron Ores, splendent from underlying rocks of VII, Round 
mountain ; large deposits ; 56 per cent, of metallic iron ; 0.08 phosphorus ; lands 
of Peery and Boyd. 

10. Marble, nearly white, from land of Sam. H. Newberry. 

11. Mineral Water, from Sharon Alum and Calybeate Spring. 

12. Manganese, silicide of, from Round mountain, lands of Peery and Boyd. 

13. Brown Iron Ore, fibrous^ from large beds in Round Mountoin ; lands of 
Peery and Boyd. 

14. Fossil Iron Ore, from 20-foot bed of No. V, Round and Garden mountain; 
lands of Peery and Boyd. 

The following from the cabinet of the Virginia Department of Agriculture : 

15. Chert, in limestone in form of moccason. 

16. Ochre and Iron Ore, from Iron mountain. 

17. Iron Ore, red, from Iron mountain. 

18. Tufaceous Marl. 

19. Lead and Zinc Ores. 

20. Manganese. 

21. Barytes, on limestone. 

22. Feldspar. 

BUCHANAN 

was formed in 1858 from Russell and Tazewell It contains 490,848 acres, assessed 
at $367,134. Population, 5,694. It lies on the western slope of the Alleghany moun- 
tains and has two of its sides the dividing lines separating Virginia from West 
Virginia and Kentucky. Much of the surface is rugged and mountainous, but the 
soil is fertile and well adapted to grass, and its great elevation gives it a moist, 
cool climate, well suited to grazing and cattle raising. The valleys, especially, 
are fertile and produce excellent crops of all the cereals. The lands are very 
low priced, and are held in immense tracts by speculators and persons interested 
in mining. Minerals exist in vast quantities, and consist mainly in iron ores, 
coal, and salt undeveloped and waiting for the coming of railroads. With good 
transportation there would soon be exploited in this county the immense resources 
of minerals and of timber now lying undeveloped. The cattle business could be 
cheaply prosecuted on a large scale if the requisite capital was invested in this 
fine grazing country. This region, for which Nature has done so much, is now 
attracting attention and cannot long remain cut off from the outer world. An 
inviting field is offered here for settlers as the lands can now be boQght for a tithe 
of the value they wiU have when railroads penetrate these rich valleys. 

CRAIG 

was formed in 1850 from Botetourt, Roanoke, Giles and Monroe, West Virginia. 
Area, 248,482 acres, assessed at $564,432 ; population, 5,894. The surface, like all 
this section of the State, is rugged and mountainous. The soil is fertile and pecu- 
liarly adapted to the growth of rich grasses. Accordingly we find here a pastoral 
life among the people, and much fine stock. A large proportion of the surface is 
in original forest of superior timber, as white oak, ash, hickory, maple and 
other valuable woods. The timber of this section of the country is noted for its 



134 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA 

hardness and great strength. The county is watered by Craig's creek, which 
flows northeast and empties into James river at Sheets in the neighboring county 
of Botetourt, and by Sinking creek, which flows southeast and empties into New 
river, in Giles. New river flows north into the Kanawha, a tributary of the 
Ohio. Thus the waters from a part of this county run to the Atlantic ocean 
through the James, and from another part, across the water-shed, make their way 
through the Ohio and Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. The minerals consist 
mainly of iron, manganese and slate. Indications of silver have been found here. 
Cheap homes and a salubrious and pleasant climate add to the attractions of this 
section for settlers. 

Craig is now somewhat isolated in respect to railroad facilities ; but the day is 
probably not distant when a railway will be constructed along the valley of 
Craig's creek into the rich coal district of West Virginia. There is probably im- 
mense mineral wealth in the mountains of Craig adjacent to the track which na- 
ture has marked out for the road. 

CRAIG COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Slate^ from Craig's creek, of superior quality and in great quantities. 

2. Manganese 7 miles west from New Castle and 2 from preceding. 

3. Manganiferous Iron Ore, from Kyles on Johns creek, 6 miles northwest 
from New Castle. 

4. Slate, 4 specimens from " Custer" quarry on Craig creek, 6 miles southeast 
from New Castle. 

5. Iron Ore, from John Goode, 4 miles southeast from New Castle. 

6. Manganese, 4 large specimens, from " Damewood " mine, from near same 
locality. 

7. Manganese, 2 specimens from J. E. Custer's, 6 miles from New Castle. 

8. Slate, fjom Jones quarry on Craig creek, 5 miles southwest from New 
Castle. 

DICKENSON 

was formed in 1880 from Russell, Wise and Buchanan. It is nearly a parellelo- 
gram with two sides of twenty-one miles and the other two of fifteen miles in 
extent, and contains about 387,000 acres, assessed at $99,121. No census of the 
population was taken in 1880, but it is supposed to be about 4,000. It is bounded 
on the northwest by the Cumberland range of mountains which separate it from 
Kentucky, and on the southeast by the great Ae mountains. The surface on these 
borders is very rugged, but in the central parts it has many fine valleys, and 
much fertile land. The products are wheat, corn, oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, 
tobacco, fiax, melons and grass. Vegetables and fruit are raised in great abun- 
dance and of good quality. This is one of the counties of Trans- Appalachia and 
is in the great grazing region of the southwestern part of Virginia. The lands 
vary in texture with the character of the prevailing rocks, but the greater part of 
them are good grass lands. Timber of the most valuable kinds is found here in 
great abundance — three-fourths of the area being in original forest of oak, hickory, 
poplar, elm, ash, maple, wild cherry, walnut, pine, &c. The average assessed 
price of land being little more than 25 cents per acre, this region should aflbrd 
grand inducements for men with capital to engage in the stock raising business. 
This county is without railroads. It is watered by the head streams of the Eus- 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 135 

sell's fork of Big Sandy river flowing north into the Ohio river. The minerals 
of this county have not been developed, but iron ores and coal (bituminous, splint 
and cannel) are known to be abundant. 

DICKENSON COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORIiEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Coal, from Cana creek, contributed by Elijah Rasnick, Sr. 

GILES 

was formed in 1806 from Montgomery, Tazewell and Monroe, and is now one of 
the frontier counties of the State, adjoining Mercer and Monroe, in West Virginia. 
Tiae eastern and western portions of the county are mountainous, both the bounda- 
ries being formed by ranges of the Alleghany mountaias. Some portions of the 
county are very fertile, producing fine crops of cereals and grasses. This county 
is a fine grazing region, and produces some of the finest fat cattle that are sent to the 
eastern markets. There are several mineral springs in this county, places of pop- 
ular resort during the heated term, the most noted being the " New River White" 
and "Hunter's Alum." That wonderful freak of Nature, the so-called "Salt 
Pond," in the mountains of tliat name, attracts many visitors. 

Giles is watered by New river and its tributaries. The population is 8,794; 
number of acres of land 229,055, assessed at $970,558. It abounds in fine growths 
of the usual timber of this region — walnut, wild cherry, sugar and other maple, 
oak, &c., and vast beds of iron ores, copper and coal. 

In Giles there is found red marble, near Chapman's ferry, and near the base of 
Angel's Rest mountain. Hydraulic limestone, near Chapman's ferry, contains of 
<5arbonate lime 43 per cent., and of carbonate magnesia, about 35 percent. ; silica, 
17.30, and 2 per cent, alumina and oxide iron. That a little below Chapman's 
ferry has 53 per cent, of carbonate lime, and 43 per cent, of magnesia, and 2 per 
cent, silica, and 0.50 alumina and oxide iron. These are highly hydraulic. 

The branch road of the Norfolk and Western railroad from Central station, on 
the borders of Montgomery and Pulaski, passes nearly due 'north through the 
northeast end of Pulaski, and through the centre of Giles to the West Virginia 
line, and through Mercer county. West Virginia, in a southwest course to Graham 
and Pocahontas, in Tazewell, and is to be extended into the central parts of the 
last county, where it will tap one of the finest mineral and timber regions in the 
world. Before this road was made the county of Giles labored under great dis- 
advantages, but will now feel the effects of being brought in easy reach of the 
markets of the world, and will reap rich fruits from her valuable mineral and forest 
wealth so long shut up among her hills and valleys. There is here a great open- 
ing for immigration, which will not long neglect a region so inviting. 

GILES COUNTY MINERALS AT NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Fossil, rhusophycus bilobatus, from No. 1, on Little Stony creek ; Capt. C. 
R. Boyd. 

2. Marble, from Charles H. Snidow, Kimball ton. 

3. Bed Iron Ore, from regular stratified bed showing abundance of it; C. W, 
McClaugherty . 

4. Clay and a mug made from it, of fine quality for refractory purpose; C. W, 
McClaugherty. 

5. Bed Iron Ore, from D. F. Hale, Narrows ; metallic iroit 68.44 per cent. 

6. Spotted Marble, from J. H. Hoge. 



136 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



HIGHLAND 

was formed'in 1847 from Pendleton and Bath. It is thirty miles long and about 
twenty-five miles broad, and contains 239,700 acres, assessed at $804,000. Popu- 
lation, 5,170. 

This is|an elevated mountain region. The soil is mostly limestone, and pro- 
duces good crops of corn, wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat and grass. The Kentuclcy 
blue grass springs spontaneously wherever the timber is removed, and furnishes 
the finest pasturage, not inferior to that of the best lands of Kentucky. Grazing 
and the rearing of horses, cattle, sheep and swine constitute the main reliance of 
the owners of the soil. There is no place where a living is more easily made, and 
where the people enjoy more of ease and leisure. The climate is healthy and in- 
vigorating, and the people are kind and hospitable. 

Valuable timber, especially walnut and wild cherry of the very best quality for 
cabinet makers' use, is abundant, and when this section shall be endowed with 
railroad facilities it will constitute a large item of wealth. Iron ore, coal and 
marble are known to exist in abundance in this county, and probably other valu- 
able minerals will be found when its access to market shall justify more extended 
explorations. 

Monterey, the county seat, and McDowell are the principal villages, and are 
busy and growing places, notably the former. 

This county is drained by the head waters of Cow Pasture and Jackson rivers- 
emptying into the James, and by some of the head streams of the South Branch 
of Potomac river, which interlace in this elevated water shed of the two river sys- 
tems, and mark out the track of the great line of railroad which has been pro- 
jected and will at some day not distant connect Pittsburg with the inexhaustible 
deposits of iron ore in Alleghany, Botetourt and the adjoining counties, and will 
quadruple the value of the land of Highland. 

LEE 

was formed from Russell in 1792. It lies in the southwest corner of the Statev 
bordering on Tennessee and Kentucky. Its greatest length is 65 miles ; meart 
breadth, 10 miles. It contains 365,240 acres, valued at $1,188,265, Population, 
15,114. Three-fifths of the the surface is mountainous or hilly, but the mountains 
are rich to the top, and a large proportion of the soil of the entire county is very 
fertile. The timber consists of oak (an immense quantity of white oak), poplar, 
pine, maple, buckeye, birch, beech, ash, cucumber, mulberry, locust, hickory, 
chestnut, much black walnut, and wild cherry, with vast forests of red cedar, near 
Powell's river, of the best quality for the manufacture of cedar ware. The pro- 
ductions are corn, wheat, buckwheat, oats, rye and tobacco. The cultivation of 
tobacco is on the increase. A great variety of vegetables and fruits is produced. 
It is well watered by Powell's river, which is navigable for flat boats, and giving 
an outlet for the products of the county. The county is rich in minerals. Poor 
Valley ridge, which runs parallel to Cumberland mountains through the whole 
length of the county, has a rich vein of iron ore (dyestone — red hematite) extend- 
ing throughout the entire length. The Cumberland mountains contain inexhaus- 
tible supplies of the best bituminous coal, a part of which is in this county. There 
are strong indications of zinc, lead and other valuable minerals. Salt has beea 
made at two points in this county, but there are no works now in operation. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 137 

About one-half of the area of the county is cleared land, one-tenth of which 
is in wheat, the remainder in oats, rye, corn, tobacco and grass. This is a fine 
grass county, and is famous for fine cattle, horses, &c. It has at least 2,500 acres 
in orchards of every variety of fruit. 

LEE COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

Collected by Gen. Imboden. 

1. Coal, from " Imboden " vein 10^ thick from Crab orchard, 10 miles west from 
Big Stone Gap, 

2. Fossil Iron Ore, Clinton No. V, 2 blocks from Rufus A. Ayers, on north 
fork Clinch river. 

The following are from the Virginia Department of Agriculture : 

3. Fossil Iron Ore, Clinton, No. V. 

4. Fossil Iron Ore, Clinton. 

5. Limonite, brown iron ore. 

RUSSELL 

was formed in 1786 from Washington. It. containt 318,000 acres, valued at 
$696,869. Population, 13,914. 

The surface is much broken, as the county lies among mountain ranges, and 
much of tlie laud is not arable, but there are very fine lands in the valleys. Graz- 
ing and stock raising is one of the principal industries of the people of Russell, 
They produce also ample supplies of grain, &c., for man and beast, and are mak- 
ing tobacco of very fine quality. 

This is an elevated mountain region, noted for its healthy and bracing climate, 
and offers, with its cheap grass lands, kept fertile by decomposition of fossil lime- 
stones and feldspathic rocks, fiae locations for persons desiring to go into the cattle 
business. The number of fat cattle annually sold amounts to 10,500. 

It is drained by Clinch river and tributaries, which afford immense amounts of 
water-power, and are well stocked with game fishes. Moccasin creek, a tributary 
of the Holston, waters a considerable portion of its southern part. 

The timber of this county is of the most valuable kinds, of large size, and in 
great abundance. The minerals are iron ores, coal, lead, zinc, barytas, salt, sand- 
stone, limestone and marble, and are found in great abundance, of good quality 
and easily mined. 

This county will be greatly benefited by railroads, which are expected to be 
constructed in the near future. Three lines of railway are now chartered, which 
will give to Russell nearly all the facilities it will require. The Richmond and 
Southwest railway will run thirty miles through the Clinch river section. The 
Saltville and Coal Mine railroad will cross the county diagonally from southeast 
to northwest, crossing the iron, marble, coal and timber belts. The Virginia, Ken- 
tucky and Ohio railroad has a branch road provided for in its charter which might 
pursue the line of Clinch river, on its way to Pound Gap. 

RUSSELL COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

1. Splint Coal, from Lewis Creek; from Captain C. R, Boyd. 

2. Coal, from Ghana creek ; contributed by Elijah Rasnick, Sr., of Pat's Store 



138 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



The following were contributed by Major W. K. Armistead, of Abingdon : 

3. Marble, variagated, from base of Clinch mountain. 

4. Bituminous Coal, from Dump's creek. 

5. Coke, from Dump's creek coal. 

6. Splint Coal, from Dump's creek. 

SCOTT 

was formed in 1814 from Lee, Washington and Russell. The surface is moun- 
tainous and rolling, and the soil very good. Copper and Clinch rivers traverse the 
centre, and the North Fork of Holston the southern part. 

Population, 17,235 ; number of acres of land 334,559, assessed at $702,584. 

The productions corn (in very large quantity), wheat, oats, rye, grass, and to- 
bacco. Price of land improved, from $5 to $50 per acre ; unimproved, from $1 to 
$5 per acre. This county has great capabilities, and with railroads would ship 
largely both of the products of the farm and of tlie mines. Two-thirds of the 
surface is in timber, consisting of the oaks, poplar, walnut, ash, lynn, beech, syca- 
more, elm, and box elder. There are 2,000 acres in orchards of apples, peaches, 
pears, cherries, grapes, &c. There are SO schools in the cou-ity, of which 70 are 
public, and are in a flourishing condition. There are 75 churches, 35 of which are 
Methodist, 20 Mission, 10 Hard-shell Baptist, and 10 Free-will Baptist. About 
300 immigrants have settled in this county in the last few years. The health and 
climate are good. This county is a grass county, and raises good stock. It is in 
the south end of the Valley, acknowledged a fine country. 

This county is very rich in minerals, having abundance of iron ores, coal, cop- 
per, manganese, marble, and limestone. It has many fine locations for mills and 
manufacturing establishments on the water courses, with ample power to run any 
amount of machinery. A railroad through this section would develop great re- 
sources.* There are many mineral springs in this county, both sulphur and 
chalybeate. 

In this county is found in great abundance a reddish, fossiliferous mottled marble, 
in which the colors are pleasingly blended with grayish white. The dun-colored and 
other varieties are also found of fine quality. A correspondent says there is min- 
eral wealth enough in this county to pay the national debt. 

SCOTT COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

The following were collected by Gen. Imboden : 

1. Coal, from 6^ to 7^ bed, head of Stony creek. 

2. Fossil Iron Ore, Clinton, from land of W. W. James, near head of Stony 
<;reek. 

3. Iron Ore, brown hematite, from same locality as above. 

4. Tennessee Marble, brown, block 16xll^^x7|^\ dressed, polished, &c., from 
near Estilleville, from land of Estilleville Marble Co. Estilleville is located on 

* Hitherto there has been no outlet for this— no means of exploiting it ; but now there is a nar- 
row-gauge railroad in course of construction from Bristol, Tenn., to Mineral city, 66 miles dis- 
tant, tapping some of the richest coal and iron deposits in the United Slates. Along the whole 
line is an immense quantity of the finest timber— walnut, wild cherry, poplar, ash, white oak, and 
pine. The beautiful marble mentioned above is on the line of this road. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



139 



this marble, and with it the streets are macadamized and the foundation walls of 
the houses are built. • • 

5. Dark Brown Tennessee Marble, a polished block, from "Bounds" tract of 
the Estilleville Marble Co., 4 miles west from Estilleville. 

6. Dappled Gray Marble, a polished block, from land of same Co., 3 miles 
southwest from Estilleville. 

7. Cherry Spot Marble, a dressed block, from same locality, &c., as above. 

8. Pebble Marble, a polished block, from '^Bounds" tract, same Co. These 
specimens of marble are exceedingly beautiful ; the quarries from which they 
came a<re very extensive, extending for miles along the track of the projected and 
now partially completed South Atlantic and Ohio railroad. 

TAZEWELL 

was formed in 1799 from Eussell and Wythe. It is sixty miles long with varying 
width, and [contains 336,250 acres of land, assessed at $1,106,693. Population, 
12,861. 

The surface is mountainous, but is relieved by fertile valleys, many of them of 
considerable exteat. One of the largest of these valleys, called " Burks Garden," 
is famed for its beauty and fertility. The soil is mostly limestone and very fertile, 
the mountains even to their tops being covered with a luxuriant growth of blue 
grass, which is indigenous here. The favorite and most profitable occupation 
here is grazing and fattening cattle, many of them being sent across the Atlantic 
to the markets of Great Britain. 

The timber is abundant and of large dimensions. Oak, walnut, cherry, hickory, 
elm, chestnut, and other trees attain to great size and altitude, and the most valu- 
able timbers are used in the ordinary construction of dwellings. 

Tazewell county is rich in minerals, having large deposits of the purest iron 
ores, coal, salt, gypsum, &c. Coal is being mined in great quantities and shipped 
by the New river branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad to Norfolk city for 
the coaling of ocean steamers, for which purpose it is well suited. Pocahontas, 
close to which is located the principal mine, is a rapidly growing town of some 
2,000 inhabitants, and is the present terminus of the New river division of the 
Norfolk and Western road. The great Flat Top mountain range from which 
this coal is obtained forms the western border of this county, and is part of the 
dividing line between Virginia and West Virginia. The iron ores will be developed 
by the contemplated extension of the branch road alluded to into the central parts 
of the county. 

This county is watered by Clinch river flowing southwest and by tributaries of 
JNew river flowing northeast. 

TAZEWELL COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

From Capt. C. E. Boyd. 

1. Bed Shale Iron Ore, fine quality, from Paint Lick Mine. 

1. Semi- Bituminous Coal, a complete section 12^ thick, from Pocahontas Mine. 

2. Semi- Bituminous Coal ; samples from Pocahontas Mine. 

3. Coke, made at Pocahontas from above coal. 



140 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



The following are from the Virginia Department of Agriculture : 

4. Fossil, in limestone. 

5. Iron, smelted from Poor Valley ore in a common smith's forge ; J. R. Witten, 

6. Limonite Iron Ore, from Poor Valley — from Harvey Peets. 

7. Fossil Iron Ore. 

8. Bed Iron Ore, magnetic. 

9. Limonite, brown iron ore. 
10. Manganese, ore. 

WISE 

was formed in 1855 from Lee, Scott and Russell counties. It has 310,000 acres of 
land, assessed at $186,000, or sixty cents per acre. Population in 1880 was 7,782, 
but a part of this is to be credited to Dickenson county, a portion of which was 
taken from Wise since the last census. 

Wise county lies on the Kentucky line, and is located amongst the lofty ranges 
of mountains which traverse this Trans- Appalachian country 

The soil, in some parts formed from limestone rocks, is of good quality and 
well adapted to grains and grass. Other sections, formed from disintegrated 
sandstone, have poorer soils, but the lands produce corn, vegetables and fruits, 
and are well suited to the grape, and to pasturage, especially of sheep. 

The greater part of the area of Wise county is still covered with original foi*ests 
of valuable timber, such as oak, chestnut, walnut, poplar, cherry, pine, &c. The 
cherry is notably abundant and of large size, and poplar trees of enormous size, 
some of them six and eight feet in diameter, with long, straight trunks seventy-five 
to eighty feet to the limbs. 

The minerals of this county are iron ores, coal (bituminous, splint and cannel) 
in great abundance and easily mined. Lead and silver have also been found, but 
not yet in paying quantity. Limestone and valuable sandstone for building are 
abundant. 

This county is watered by several considerable streams flowing into Russell's 
fork of Big Sandy river, and by Powell's river and other streams which, flow south 
into Clinch river. 

The great need of this section is access to market for its very valuable timber 
and minerals, which, it is hoped, will soon be supplied by the construction of the 
several railroads projected through this country. 

WISE COUNTY MINERALS AT THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 

The following specimens were collected by Gen. John D. Imboden : 

1. CoJcing Coal, a block 15^^ cube, from " Gibbs" opening in the " Imboden" bed,. 
8^ thick, on Preacher Fork of Callaghan creek, on lands {72,000 acres) of the Va. 
Coal and Iron Co. 

2. Coke, made from above coal. 

3. Splint Coal, from Shelving-rock bed, 4J^ thick, from southeast face of Black 
mountain, from the property of the Va. Coal and Iron Co. 

4. Splint Coal, long block, from same bed as No. 3, the property of same Co. 

5. Cannel Coal, from upper bench, 26^^ thick, of 7^ bed in Black mountain, prop- 
erty of same Co. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 141 

6. Coal, from " Imboden" bed, where 10^ thick, on Roaring fork of Powell river, 
on Nine-mile ridge of Black mountain, on land of J. P. Imboden. 

7. Bed SJiale Iron Ore, from No. V, Clinton, from "Horton" tract of Va. 
Iron and Coal Co., on northwest face of Wallen ridge, one mile from Big Stone 
gap. 

8. Iron Ore, brown, "Wildcat" mine, on "Collier" tract of Va. Iron and Coal 
Co., in valley at head of Wildcat creek. 

9. Iron Ore, fossU of No. V, Clinton, from 1,050 acres, tract of Col. Frank 
Preston, in southwest end of Wallen ridge, near south fork of Powell river. 

10. Cannel Coal, from near Pound fork of Big Sandy river. 



142 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 



TABLE No. 7. 
Live Stock — Commissioners of Revenue Returns for 1884. 



COUNTIES. 



Accomac 

Albemarle 

Alleghany 

Alexandria .... 

Amelia 

AmUerst 

Appomattox. . . 

Augusta 

Bath 

Bedford 

Bland 

Botetourt 

Brunswick 

Buchanan 

Buckingham... 

Campbell 

Caroline 

Carroll 

Charles City... 

Charlotte 

Chesterfield 

Clarke 

Craig 

Culpeper 

Cumberland 

Dickinson 

Dinwiddle 

Elizabeth City.. 

Essex 

Fairfax 

Fauquier 

Floyd 

Fluvanna 

Franklin. 



Horses, 

Mules, Asses 

an-l 

Jennets. 


Cattle. 


Sheep. 


4,145 


7,244 


2,829 


5,612 


10,503 


11,276 


9T4 


2,384 


1,631 


549 


629 


12 


1,376 


3,144 


1,800 


2,749 


5,154 


2,056 


1,446 


3,365 


1,659 


8,489 


18,850 


11,557 


853 


2,754 


3,440 


5,423 


10.746 


10,030 


1,433 


4,479 


6,332 


3,211 


6.622 


3,601 


2,215 


7,598 


3,872 


793 


3,799 


4,629 


1,564 


4,148 


2,582 


2,916 


5,514 


3,062 


2,879 


5,006 


2,471 


1,919 


8,622 


7,792 


963 


1,625 


1,426 


2,150 


6,347 


3,250 


1,670 


3,730 


3,724 


2,812 


6,808 


9,016 


1,140 


3,562 


2,963 


3,429 


10,086 


14,711 


1,412 


3,177 


1,960 


675 


3,028 


4,369 


1,809 


4,117 


2,434 


800 


1,600 


800 


1.473 


3,993 


2,684 


1,762 


3,553 


1,544 


6,818 


25,950 


16,677 


2,305 


8,700 


8,060 


1,602 


8,356 


2,315 


4,006 


9,746 


6,478 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 



143 



TABLE No. 7 — Continued. 



COUNTIES. 



Pre^erlck 

Giles 

Gloucester 

Goochland 

Grayson 

Greene 

Greensville; 

Halifax 

Hanover 

Henrico 

Henry 

HigMand 

Isle of Wight 

James City 

King and Queen. , 

King George 

King William 

Lancaster ..... 

Lee 

Loadoun , 

Louisa 

Lunenburg 

Madison 

Mathews 

Mecklenburg 

Middlesex , 

Montgomery 

Hansemond 

Nelson 

New Kent 

Norfolk 

Northampton 

Northumberland- 
Nottoway 

Orange 



Patrick, 



Horses, 

Mules, Asses 

and 

Jennets. 


Cattle. 


Sheep. 


Hogs. 


4,541 


8,689 


12,221 


7,990 


1,844 


5,106 


5,432 


3,105 


1,614 


4,616 


2,699 


5,516 


1,492 


3,023 


1,860 


3,054 


2,906 


7,935 


10,394 


6,788 


1,213 


2,044 


1,563 


3,423 


1,097 


2,473 


940 


4,293 


3,816 


7,011 


3,142 


12,936 


3,300 


4,650 


2,618 


6,481 


1,877 


2,229 


396 


3,353 


2,095 


4,116 


2,402 


5,778 


1,939 


7,779 


10,018 


3,2»8 


2,026 


3,412 


1,235 


15,334 


622 


1,883 


1,024 


1,969 


1,394 


4,995 


2,528 


4,939 


1,575 


3,145 


2,399 


3,060 


1,467 


3,709 


2,092 


3,066 


832 


2,332 


1,137 


2,937 


3,834 


9,836 


9,560 


18,672 


7,815 


22,787 


23,901 


12,864 


2,518 


6,967 


3,408 


7,463 


1,554 


5,071 


3,447 


6,079 


2,349 


6,384 


3,559 


7,650 


765 


2.320 


1,045 


3,850 


3,262 


9,038 


5,333 


9,921 


824 


2,229 


1,529 


3,332 


2,426 


6,261 


4,753 


6,825 


2,348 


4,016 


1,155 


12,305 


2,770 


6,400 


2,886 


7,757 


928 


1,837 


687 


2,775 


2,866 


1,880 


642 


6,359 


1.525 


2,813 


1,495 


5,698 


1,191 


4,031 


1,858 


3,918 


1,249 


3,423 


1,953 


3,850 


2.695 


6,264 


8,491 


6,391 


2,391 


5,079 


3,200 


6,459 


1,610 


4,510 


3,841 


6,915 



144 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



TABLE No. 7— Continued. 



COUNTIES. 



Horses, 

Mules, Asses 

and 

J ennets. 



Tittsylvania..., 

Powhatan 

Prince Edward 
Prince George- 
Princes Anne.. 
Prince William 

PalasM 

Rappahannock 

Richmond 

Koanoke 

Kockbridge.... 
Eockmgham... 

Russell 

Scott 

Shenandoah.... 

Smyth 

Southampton .. 
Spotsylvania.... 

Stafford 

Surry 

Sussex 

Tazewell.., 

Warren 

Warwick 

Washington 

Westmoreland. 

Wise 

Wythe 

York 



5,932 
1,182 
1,505 
1,4T5 
2,063 
2,433 
1,764 
2,262 

985 
2,392 
4,765 
7,226 
3,674 
4,169 
3,812 
2,730 
2,716 
1,783 
1,621 
1,353 
1,805 
3,198 
1,842 

294 
4,556 
1,223 
1,017 
3,188 

656 



Cattle. 



6,9Sd 

2.754 
3,576 
1,238 
4,060 
6,602 
6,087 
8,068 
3,736 
4,585 
10,331 
18,997 
13,258 
9,251 
9,556 
7,594 
5,550 
4,320 
3,734 
1,843 
2,398 
12,321 
4,104 
1,034 
9,495 
4,988 
3,668 
8,804 
2.317 



Sheep. 

4,158 
2,488 
1,407 
789 
4,023 
7,271 
5,040 
6,138 "^ 

1,558 ; 

2,299 
5,297 
7,413 

12,635 

12,681 
4,560 
7,966 
2,261 
2,684 
2,303 
665 
1,135 

15,201 

4,203 

268 

11,965 

2,101 

5,149 

8,882 

459 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



145 



TABLE No. 8. 

General Statistics of Agriculture for the State of Virginia at Censusses of 1880 

and IS 70. 



FARMS. 


FARMS— NUMBER OF EACH SPECIFIED CLASS. 


Total Number. 


Under 3 Acres. 


3 and under 10. 


1880. 


1870. 


1880. 


1870. 


1880. 


1870. 


118,517 


73,849 


101 


137 


7,012 


4,492 



FARMS— NUMBER OF EACH SPECIFIED CLASS. 



10 and under 20. 


20 and under 50. 


50 and under 100. 


100 and under 500. 


1880. 


1870. 


1880. 


1870. 


1880. 


1870. 


1880, 


1870. 


9,663 


6,300 


19,322 


16,891 


22,194 


17,208 


53,101 


26,696 



500 and under 1,000. 


1,000 and over. 


Total Land in Farms. 


1880. 


1870. 


1880. 


1870. 


1880— Acres. 


1870- Acres. 


75,972 


15,873 


28,573 


3,720 


19,835.785 


18,145,911 



Improved Land in Farms. 


Unimproved Land in Farms. 


Percentage of Un- 
improved Land in 
Farms to Total 
Land in Farms. 


1880. 
Acres. 


1870. 
Acres. 


1880. 
Acres. 


1870. 
Acres. 


1880. 


1870. 


8,510,113 


8,165,640 


11,325,672 


9,980,871 


57.1 


55. 



Average Size of Farms. 


Value of Farms. 


Value of Farming 
Implements and Machinery. 


1880. 
Acres. 


1870. 
Acres. 

246 


1860. 
Acres. 


1850. 
Acres. 


1880. 
Dollars. 


1870. 
Dollars. 


1880. 
Dollars. 


1870. 
Dollars. 


167 


324 


340 


216,028,107 


213,020,845 


5,495,114 


4,924,036 



10 



146 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



TABLE No. 8— Continued. 



BARLEY. 


BUCKWHEAT. 


INDIAN CORN. 


1880. 
Bushels. 


1870. 
Bushels. 


1880. 
Bushels. 


1870. 
Bushels. 


1880. 
Bushels. 


1870. 
Bushels. 


14,223 


7,259 


136,004 


45,075 


29,119,761 


17,649,304 



OATS. 


RYE. 


WHEAT. 


1880. 
Bushels. 


1870. 
Bushels. 


ISSO. 
Bushels. 


1870. 
Bushels. 


1880. 
Bushels. 


1870. 
Bushels. 


5,333,181 


6,857,555 


324,431 


582,264 


7,826,174 


7,398,787 



COTTON. 


WOOL. 


HAY. 


1880. 
Bales. 


1870. 
Bales. 


1880. 
Pounds. 


1870. 
Pounds. 


1880. 
Tons. 


1870. 
Tons. 


;i9,595 


183 


1,836,673 


877,110 


287,255 




199,883 





HOPS. 


TOBACCO. 


IRISH POTATOES. 


1880. 
Pounds. 


1870. 
Pounds. 


1880. 
Pounds. 


1870. 
Pounds. 


1880. 
Bushels. 


1870. 
Bushels. 


1,599 


10,999 


79,988,868 


37,086,364 


2,016,766 


1,293,853 



• SWEET POTATOES. 


VALUE OF LIVE STOCK. 


HORSES. 


1880. 
Bushels. 


1870. 
Bushels. 


1880. 
Dollars. 


1870. 
Dollars. 


1880. 
Number. 


1870. 
Number. 


1,901,521 


865,882 


29,953,315 


28,187,669 


218,838 


152,899 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 



147 



TABLE No. 8— Continued. 



MULES AND ASSES. 


WORKING OXEN. 


MILCH COWS. 


1880. 
Number. 


1870. 
Number, 


1880. 
Number. 


1870. 
Number. 


1880. 
Number. 


1870. 
Number. 


33,598 


26,903 


54,709 


45,987 


338,414 


277,285 



OTHER CATTLE. 


SHEEP. 


BUTTER. 
Sold. 


CHEESE. 
Sold. 


1880. 
Number. 


1870'. 
Number. 


1880. 
Number. 


1870. 
Number. 


1880. 
Pounds. 


1870. 
Pounds. 


1880. 
Pounds. 


1870. 
Pounds. 


388,414 


277,285 


956,451 


674,670 


85,535 


74,743 


85,535 


71,743 



148 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA* 



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HAND-BOOK OP VIRGINIA. 



149 



TA.BLE No. 10. 
Farm Areas and Farm Values^ 1880 — By Counties. 



COUNTIES. 



Total 

Accomac 

Albemarle 

Alexandria,... 

Alleghany 

Amelia... 

Amherst 

Appomattox.. 

Augusta 

Bath 

Bedford 

Bland . . 

Botetourt 

Brunswick.... 

Buchanan 

Buckingham.. 

Campbell 

Caroline* 

Carroll 

Charles City.. 

Charlotte 

Chesterfield... 

Clarke 

Craig 

Culpeper 

Cumberland.. . 



Numb'r 
118,517 



2,145 
2,099 

326 

344 
1,038 
1,6T9 

999 
2,357 

397 
2,777 

584 

997 
1,453 

926 
1,668 
1,407 
1,654 
1,685 

564 
1,068 
1,753 

473 

493 
1,186 

707 



Acres. 
8,510,113 



84,160 

244,395 

9,028 

30,191 

87,308 

102,928 
63,164 

246,548 
38,617 

193,591 
45,364 
93,019 
98,444 
22,330 
85,740 
93,240 

137,005 

114,686 
36,191 
88,669 
76,894 
81,095 
32,624 

126,049 
61,338 



rail 

a a 



S. d 



Dollars. 

216,028,107 



3,597,251 
6,015,736 

903,980 

636,413 
1,140,301 
2,540,453 
1,132,889 
10,032,679 
1,184,908 
4,438,845 
1,095,911 
2,388,845 
1,090,073 

327,794 
1,406,019 
2,147,709 
2,080,861 
1,566,061 

700,443 
1,932,112 
2,640,550 
2,730,358 

815,247 
2,559,351 
1,073,324 



a. a 



aj-s 
B a 

03 OS 

> 



Dollars. 
5,495,114 



82,154 

124,260 
14,175 
15,237 
30,465 
52,521 
35,349 

232,840 
22,058 

118,047 
21,579 
66,336 
34,989 
8,671 
40,576 
71 ,214 

129,671 
35,533 
24,148 
46,314 
64,917 
82,113 
22,639 
66,443 
26,687 



OS 1-5 
> 



Dollars. 
25,953,315 



545,218 
37,281 
99,531 
131,681 
279,889 
135,408 
930,516 
154,734 
536,975 
163,940 
240,002 
221,645 
144,722 
213,345 
275,753 
249,927 
272,228 
83,891 
216,768 
209,319 
305,945 
119,463 
339,489 
139,694 



£> a 

« 50 



Dollars. 
1,697,180 



23,924 
38,491 
4,923 

3,638 

5,752 
20,838 
10,232 
67,716 
12,108 
33,734 
11,108 
18,438 
13,006 

6,111 

9,701 
27,652 
14,198 
17,369 

8,055 
14,088 
20,816 
22,328 

5,066 
43,018 

7,669 



CO 00 



Dollars. 
2,137,283 



38,452 
80,653 

9,086 

602 

12,932 

9,085 

14,172 

82,150 

385 

16,992 

2,830 

7,379 
23,286 



11,855 

30,383 

12,223 

791 

1,471 
30,046 

9,861 

60,422 

393 

45,947 

19,474 



— OP- 
'S o?5 



2 o o 

asf 

t3 ?-<•© 



H 



Dollars. 
45,726,221 



683,962 
888,983 
187,918 
113,415 
610,995 
629,522 
323,578 

1,877,695 
137,549 

1,126,671 
140,547 
414,868 
488,744 
151,211 
361,525 
709,786 
498,265 
309,906 
158,382 
631,333 
488,193 
486,515 
162,387 
452,399 
364,223 



150 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



TABLE No. 10— Continued. 



COUNTIES. 



Dmwiddle .... 
Elizabeth City 

Essex 

Fairfax 

Fauquier 

Floyd 

Fluvanna 

Franklin...... 

Frederick 

Giles 

Gloucester 

Goochland.... 

Grayson; 

Greene 

Greensville.. . . 

Halifax 

Hanover 

Henrico 

Henry 

Highland 

Ise of Wight.. 

James City 

King& Queen 
King George. . 

KingWm 

Lancaster 

Lee... 

Loudoun 

Louisa 

Lunenburg.... 

Madison 

Matthews 



Numb'r 

1,621 

443 

1,063 

1,572 

1,740 

1,541 

851 

8,415 

1,437 

716 

783 

1,041 

1,477 

565 

881 

2,463 

1,648 

1,130 

1,396 

480 

1,263 

434 

1,208 

786 

735 

653 

1,636 

1,841 

1,813 

1,126 

816 

902 



S 



Acres. 

92,197 

16,332 

82,164 

95,784 

295,305 

104,380 

56,267 

115,592 

151,563 

64,492 

49,541 

58,142 

108,815 

45,459 

43,202 

198,538 

125,047 

67,500 

61,828 

60,765 

55,509 

19,492 

93,898 

64,378 

48,618 

25,649 

100,775 

232,391 

106,642 

43,639 

91,186 

24,103 



.9 M 



Bo3 



> 



Dollars. 
1,443,746 

586,932 
1,264,291 
4,864,291 
7,358,196 
2,110,364 
1,122,003 
2,507,291 
4,243,413 
1,764,299 
1,336,405 
1,479,754 
1,887,974 

630,018 

773,041 
4,009,930 
2,243,211 
3,788,796 
1,362,882 
2,077,585 
1,368,137 

370,464 
1,266,089 
1,157,752 
1,387,349 

671,527 
2,314,061 
9,531,254 
2,084,530 
1,004,391 
1,908,755 

999,030 



S.S 
> 



Dollars. 
48,939 
23,168 
31,871 

143,186 

128,914 
57,218 
33,576 
71,563 

101,889 
35,272 
89,908 
37,091 
45,277 
21,704 
92,669 

102,013 
67,205 
86,627 
36,436 
25,859 
33,906 
13,802 
22,447 
28,491 
35,331 
19,334 
56,354 

183,227 
63,855 
29,687 
64,259 
16,503 



Dollars. 

175,486 

50,683 

180,529 

431 ,760 

1,107,689 
314,420 
161,627 
367,681 
434,341 
230,219 
146,491 
150,212 
357,985 
92,273 
124,912 
549,127 
264,057 
216,478 
199,148 
308,934 
157,861 
63,2S2 
148,373 
135,153 
123,622 
77,684 
365,803 

1,099,900 
264,065 
149,815 
253,907 
102,434 



Moo 



Dollars. 
14,448 

4,637 
14,490 
23,021 
49,699 
25,470 

9,344 
26,960 
28,824 
12,314 
13,126 
13,215 
19,902 

8,792 

9,070 
28,512 
19,508 
10,642 
12,783 

9,157 
16,557 

6,234 

6,400 
14,109 
17,760 

2,888 
24,562 
49,838 
17,949 
13,731 
18,136 
4,588 



O 05 

to 00 

o 



Dollars. 

16,851 

4,570 

5,641 

57,018 

115,065 

513 

13,503 

13,119 

43,444 

2,333 

8,201 

7,056 

2,334 

1,834 

34,207 

78,805 

20,527 

17,908 

20,284 

119 

16,138 

3,937 

3,622 

9,880 

11,738 

10,805 

394 

133,349 

25,521 

11,298 

14,384 

2,373 



a flp 



■M ■ — 'z:: 
O m a 






Dollars. 
468,963 
141,858 
342,573 . 
966,908 

1,020,980 
561,935 
209,359 
830,548 
702,002 
229,618 
230,213 
272,639 
328,142 
166,473 
375,818 

1,419,922 
576,287 
467,943 
643,424 
116,725 
519,139 
78,733 
262,65(f 
242,372 
279,452 
100,245 
426,146 

1,466,627 
418,833 
345,668 
395,352 
195,350 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

TABLE No. 10— Continued. 



151 



COUNTIES. 



Mecklenburg . 
Middlesex — 
Montgomery .. 
Nansemond... 

Nelson 

New Kent 

Norlolls 

Northampton. 
Northumber 'd 
Nottoway.... 

Orange 

Page 

Patrick 

Pittsylvania 
Powiatan ... 
Pr. Edward. 
Pr. George.. 
Princess Anne 
Pr. WUliam... 

Pulaski 

Kappahanno'k 
Kichmond .. 

Roanoke 

Rockbridge. 
Rockingbam 

Russell , 

Scott , 

Sbenandoab... 
Smyth.., 
Southampton- 
Spotsylvania. 
Stafford 



1 


a 

03 

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a 
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Sag 

3.Sg 
>« 


Numb'r 


Acres. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


1,T02 


183,300 


2,086,683 


65,508 


300,317 


26,575 


19,010 


709,344 


784 


33,206 


742,286 


17,881 


81,540 


5,259 


6,857 


88,930 


1,463 


98,830 


3,699,023 


58,042 


306,139 


17,588 


1,812 


451,405 


1,351 


65,241 


1,597,239 


53,543 


214,821 


19,526 


41,720 


768,371 


1,S00 


89,391 


1,873,866 


46,352 


228,150 


15,063 


4,165 


438,397 


436 


37,484 


533,237 


24,340 


82,380 


15,329 


1,772 


159,477 


1,569 


63,239 


2,909,784 


89,612 


366,830 


12,060 


168,367 


1,393,693 


T81 


47,227 


1,331,950 


26,767 


132,091 


14,032 


24,807 


289,281 


8T3 


47,259 


1,237,468 


35,957 


124,789 


7,448 


22,466 


176,383 


955 


66,723 


1,111,755 


33,543 


137,014 


7,378 


10,688 


332,208 


1,026 


93,194 


2,021,106 


59,813 


224,470 


11,329 


23,251 


313,858 


988 


56,848 


1,943,833 


52,836 


206,367 


11,761 


18,940 


277,812 


1,899 


52,157 


1,062,722 


18,805 


200,404 


7,346 


2,509 


349,671 


3,502 


295,465 


4,895,813 


130,285 


520,567 


51,518 


113,192 


2,120,106 


688 


58,576 


1,156,119 


23,857 


135,706 


8,869 


6,705 


256,615 


1,053 


68,827 


1,457,130 


31,532 


143,371 


13,289 


24,005 


427,090 


807 


60,131 


1,082,611 


36,798 


114,680 


6,188 


7,633 


391,392 


917 


50,648 


1,381,106 


35,601 


153,583 


7,966 


16,788 


346,270 


1,085 


74,494 


2,169,887 


64,138 


283,495 


19,78« 


31,554 


440,100 


659 


93,127 


3,259,436 


45,665 


318,046 


24,713 


5,628 


327,272 


741 


101,464 


1,990,868 


45,629 


462,362 


19,276 


14,426 


385,409 


837 


40,822 


785,831 


17,083 


103,012 


5,580 


11,841 


161,071 


760 


82,998 


3,597,247 


133,656 


227,325 


21,640 


6,629 


445,112 


1,341 


164,430 


3,941,907 


86,064 


430,351 


24,788 


22,814 


583,934 


2,567 


205,619 


8,221,998 


210,435 


743,216 


66,178 


83,573 


1,140,767 


1,850 


108,719 


2,978,976 


43,177 


542,804 


17,737 


2,568 


556,275 


2,458 


114,693 


2,020,947 


49,397 


372,623 


16,823 


689 


408,596 


1,806 


131,497 


5,101,538 


154,199 


519,918 


36,173 


73,814 


860,323 


800 


94,864 


2,705,137 


51,601 


358,860 


17,809 


4,298 


327,029 


1,648 


108,290 


1,682,158 


52,875 


242,005 


22,282 


71,955 


976,430 


1,070 


52,749 


1,409,330 


42,248 


172,989 


8,397 


18,117 


245,306 


948 


45,963 


1,113,910 


38,200 


154,569 


10,954 


. 10,415 


207,271 



152 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA 

TABLE No. 10— Continued. 









Mm 

B bo 

Hi 


2 

a 




p< 

St 


1 










II 


1 


i 


1. 




o3 O"*-" 






•a 


|§ 


a Si 


o 


3 

X! a 
^5 


53 


a> a 2 

a ©•=' 


COUNTIES. 






1- 

fa o 


as 
' -sa 


Is 


1 

1-1 


_ tH 






1 

a 


11 


Ol'O 


<B a 
■31-5 


a, a 


"do 00 






fe 


> 


^ 


> 








H 




Numb'r 


Acres. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


Dollars. 


jBurry 


76T 


48,086 


810,834 


37,720 


118,564 


7,357 


7,334 


398,124 


Sussex 


922 


71,638 


964,396 


36,237 


143,198 


10,052 


26,563 


453,809 


Tazewell 


1,322 


89,057 


2,756,709 


47,322 


466,779 


15,536 


2,633 


304,989 


Warren 


579 


66,855 


1,585,382 


39,819 


226,961 


13,247 


20,380 


337,291 


Warwick 


265 


6,610 


286,255 


6,327 


45,077 


1,422 


1,904 


35,866 


Washington . . 


1,583 


136,244 


3,541,146 


68,468 


419,993 


28,113 


4,902 


577,852 


Westmorela'd. 


703 


63,000 


964,045 


25,365 


115,441 


10,958 


15,275 


197,971 


Wise 


1,145 


40,602 


738,862 


14,543 


155,798 


13,106 


159 


151,345 


Wythe 


917 


122,340 


3,710,778 


62,239 


' 453,825 


16.495 


6,893 


438,404 


York 


906 


29,403 


471,269 


19,809 


77,488 


4,509 


2,900 


124,415 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



153 



^ 



- e; 



o 



eq 



V 





DO 


3- 


t3 


2 
aj 






m 


(M 


?; 


« 






P5 


00 






H 


t-T 




3 

P5 


"- 


< 






Pi 






H 






























^ 














1— 




& 


X 


(>> 




c? 






1^ 


m 






<1 


O 






^ 











03 


S 


"i. 








H 


OS 


P5 


»h" 








O 




















<1 


















■g 


CO 


o 


w" 


■3 


1 


e4 




en 




in 


5 
P3 


to 
















« 














< 


to 




03 

a 


00__ 

00" 





















o 

1 ^ 


a< 


05 




















S 


00 


Ph 








OJ 




o 








§ 


CO 


t^ 




1^ 


«3 


M 


in 





<) 




H 












< 






,. 






o 
































aa 


-* 










D 


•^ 










< 


i 


o 


aj 
pq 


i 










m 


§ 


en 














05 


00 


O 






o 
o 


1 

cq 


03 


O 


:0 

<1 




1§ 












<1 

1— t 














t- 








q 


m 


(M 








» 


£ 


CO 




tn 






< 


to 




>» 


a> 




t-^ 




3 
3 

























Pi 










CO 












Oh 

o 














as 


1 


a 






^ 


^ 






05 

aj 






< 


CO 


i 




(N 








< 




^ 












^ 






o 












C3 


1 


s 








pq 


■^ 










<5 


«o~ 


>! 


3 


in 








<1 





h-T 








W 


EH 


§ 










to 














c« 










"3 


(M 










J3 


(M 








^ 


3 


3" 


ft . 






►^ 






a "«) &< 
S M o 

> o § 


1 






C(5 

to 
oT 

to__ 


pa 




00 




^ 






o 







154 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



TABLE 

Principal Vegetable Pro 



COUNTIES. 



Total... 



Accomac 

Albemarle 

Alexandria, 

Alleghany 

Amelia 

Amherst....... 

Appomattox... 

Augusta 

Bath 

Bedford 

Bland 

Botetourt 

Brunswick 

Buchanan 

Buckingham... 

Campbell 

Caroline; 

Carroll 

Charles City... 

Charlotte 

Chesterfield.... 

Clarke 

Graig. 

Culpeper 

Cumberland . . . 

Dnwiddie 

Elizabeth City. 

Essex 

Fairfax 

Fauquier 

Floyd 



CERB AL8. 



Barley. Buckwheat. Indian Corn. 



182 



14,223 



55 

20 

121 

9 

94 



196 
220 



309 
123 



69 

16 

13 

9 

2,008 



7 

T8 

28 

326 

25 



357 
150 

2,481 



n 

136.004 



649 
275 
895 
25 
999 



1,791 
1,963 
660 
2,201 
1,037 



447 

93 

134 

62 

14,544 



65 

720 
202 
2,526 
189 
103 



4,630 
1,312 

17,898 



< 
1,768,127 



42,331 
35,234 

1,584 

4,548 
16,112 
22,322 
10,542 
31,324 

4,427 
29,595 

5,344 
13,379 
24,117 
14,871 
20,592 
19,704 
41,385 
16,229 

9,614 
19,438 
20,817 
12,348 

4,499 
21,169 
10,985 
22,720 

5,972 
23,429 
16,660 
38,277 
13,449 



29,119,761 



508,339 
714,715 

35,017 

95,011 
176,685 
404,630 
149,487 
727,235 

90,845 
591,627 
104,243 
282,313 
272,208 
162,058 
269,081 
316,606 
486,453 
241,912 
119,791 
311,579 
245,654 
363,436 

85,376 
415,434 
148,019 
214,160 

71,160 
312,401 
381,702 
875,370 
226,574 



Oats. 



863,443 



6,947 

17,483 

186 

2,726 

8,487 

12,785 

8,226 

8,570 

1,437 

22,439 

1,954 

7,858 

10,631 

2,132 

11,297 

18,188 

2,966 

7,140 

2,667 

10,829 

10,708 

922 

2,135 

4,786 

6,029 

7,907 

462 

1,579 

3,414 

5,383 

9,521 



33,181 



38,334 

139,451 

2,767 

34,981 

74,598 

112,661 
50,438 

122,337 
20,927 

223,827 
28,753 
92,107 
65,619 
29,109 
73,863 

120,034 
17,582 
74,509 
30,400 
77,799 
79,697 
16,738 
27,102 
41,744 
37,673 
45,285 
5,553 
13,002 
50,771 
60,382 

130,370 



Eye. 



< 
:8,746 



60 

285 
159 



170 

6 

1,955 

320 

202 

479 

110 

12 

553 

68 

79 

618 

6,155 

13 

54 

83 

133 

656 

170 

38 

39 



462 

699 

779 

3,247 



pa 

324,431 



411 
1,671 
1,589 

232 



1,276 

18 

16,000 

2,196 

1,810 

3,433 

762 

90 

3,263 

477 

412 

2,965 

23,138 

107 

617 

499 

1,034 

4,598 

826 

25S 

187 



2,336 

6,172 

4,293 

20,378 



HAND-BOOK OF VISGINIA. 



155 



No. 12. 

ductions for 1880. 



Wheat. 



901, 1T7 



1,834 

25,806 

366 

3,750 

5,996 

12,308 
5,685 

44,966 
3,462 

23,92T 
4,239 

18,T63 
5,575 
1,246 
8,935 
9,830 

11,654 
5,565 
4,384 
6,997 
6,092 

18,182 
4,042 

15,882 
5,926 
5,310 
1,994 
9,559 
9,238 

24,555 
8,944 



7,826,174 



17,219 

186,093 
5,084 
28,832 
51,919 
94,940 
37,974 

522,341 
26,557 

158,308 
25,572 

105,537 
50,874 
7,816 
57,108 
58,987 
77,306 
4,599 
51,043 
65,301 
57,577 

265,549 
21,837 

106,551 
41,317 
45,255 
18,261 
70,230 

106,533 

263,953 
46,263 



Value of 

Orchard 

tProducts. 



1,609,663 



20,511 
53,239 

7,685 
L 3,996 
11,287 
26,487 
12,074 
56,053 

5,969 
50,155 

5,916 
19,731 

5,150 

9,515 

9,552 
26,250 
21,641 
13,914 
138 
12,932 
15,630 
21,045 

4,846 

17,997 

565 

13,202 

4,092 
12,483 
64,589 
35,638 
28,582 



Hay. 



287,255 



1,584 

8,741 

1,329 

1,210 

697 

1,953 

682 

29,931 

2,894 

6,744 

2,673 

5,350 

277 

50 

824 

1,953 

970 

7,073 

642 

919 

1,625 

4,674 

1,512 

6,229 

540 

856 

118 

384 

9,761 

8,897 

6,821 



Hops, 



1,599 



Cotton. 



45,040 



19,595 



6,800 



6,500 



2,950 



2,500 



Potatoes. 



Irish. 



2,016,766 



217,574 

23,272 

11,688 

2,758 

3,085 

17,615 

8,631 

33,923 

6,751 

34,172 

3,958 

12,923 

5,229 

7,39S 

5,555 

12,032 

20,519 

20,424 

282 

8,665 

11,916 

9,724 

2,919 

6,728 

491 

8,463 

40,223 

8,529 

71,755 

25,595 

11,684 



Sweet. 



1,901,521 



491,790 

7,981 

11,525 

46 

5,090 

11,056 

9,988 

1,680 

186 

27,215 

20 

769 

20,130 

6,701 

10,034 

11,636 

23,355 

6,257 

795 

8,658 

23,578 

786 

495 

2,698 

404 

17,535 

24,723 

20,863 

13,014 

3,131 

1,490 



Tobacco. 



140,791 



3,216 



11 
3,524 
4,610 
3,198 
4 
8 
9,174 

10 
1,187 
2,736 

10 
3,973 
6,446 
1,264 

83 



5,922 

804 

10 

58 

6 

2,979 

2,752 



13 
4 

17 
327 



79,985.868 



2,466,972 



6,862 
1,726,317 
3,111,801 
1,965,937 

1,827 

5,815 
5,315,560 

4,164 

742,953 

1,538,161 

2,186 

2,136,529 

3,927,333 

991,437 

29,375 



3,226,448 

523,696 

9,555 

38,540 

2,470 

1,814,674 

1,540,395 



5,015 

5,370 

6,077 

842,250 



156 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



TABLE No. 12— 



-COUNTIES. 



Muvanna 

FranMin 

Frederick 

Giles 

Gloucester 

Goochland 

Grayson 

Greene 

-Greensville 

Halifax 

Hanover 

Henrico 

Henry 

Highland 

Isle of Wight 

James City 

King and Queen. 

King George 

King William 

Lancaster 

Lee 

Loudoun 

Louisa 

Lunenburg 

Madison 

Matthews 

MecKlenburg 

Middlesex 

Montgomery 

Nansemond 

Nelson- 

New Kent 

Norfolk 

Northampton 

Northumberland. 



CEREALS. 



Barley. 



Buckwheat. 



40 



5 
165 

9T7 
280 



17 

942 

40 



79 
232 



109 



380 



970 
36 

182 



25 
1,373 
9,561 
2,542 



71 

7,035 

390 



170 



8,720 



714 

2,338 

79 



7,027 

410 

2,466 



Indian Corn, 



11,351 
24,097 
17,711 

9,342 
14,133 
13,876 
14,273 

6,660 
12,745 
43,725 
30,630 
17,229 
14,768 

2,772 
18,038 

6,231 
21,232 
20,818 
16,944 

6,723 
30,267 
36,464 
23,807 
14,595 
14,614 
10,023 
34,268 

9,625 
15,697 
25,750 
18,240 

9,391 
31,171 
22,992 
13,965 



pq 



206,094 
450,021 
444,295 
236,291 
177,610 
207,856 
253,802 
153,954 
145,674 
651,766 
356,283 
301,661 
247,582 

55,190 
228,998 

66,774 
252,546 
296,075 
218,184 

78,248 
628,753 
1,113,204 
303,863 
179,087 
399,100 
146,184 
462,512 

93,433 
332,709 
280,854 
34fi,085 
121,910 
403,849 
208,453 
184,976 



Oats. 



5,7S4 

16,524 

3,019 

2,222 

2,600 

6,649 

4,711 

2,238 

1,857 

22,087 

11,847 

8,024 

8,877 

747 
1,568 
1,061 
1,334 

855 
2,434 

395 
8,426 
2,754 
11,329 
8,273 
2,880 

795 
15,811 

568 
5,576 
2,147 
7,308 
3,384 
1,459 
7,140 

63S 



n 



36,185 
180,756 
45,572 
31,435 
20,202 
58,443 
68,920 
22,109 
18,525 
194,433 
86,381 
87,303 
83.488 
11,065 
16.447 

7,311 
10,526 

4,586 
13,206 

2,815 
82,805 
38,510 
59,254 
61,701 
25,326 

7,281 
185,345 

3,211 
79,121 
29,647 
65,189 
29,090 
18,443 
48,415 

5,589 



Rye. 



21 

375 

1,746 

657 

71 

54 

4,648 

547 



69 

95 

154 

203 

422 

7 

12 

211 

78 

94 



882 

600 
40 
12 

553 
18 
73 
47 

990 
24 

749 

40 

6 

19 



HAND-BOOK OF VIKGINIA. 



157 



Continued. 



Wheat. 



T,023 

16,T56 

22,058 

T,773 

4,S14 

8,260 

7,998 

5,423 

451 

16,450 

13,146 

7,559 

7,951 

2.547 

141 

1,081 

5,260 

5,790 

8,542 

2,816 

13,222 

35,280 

11,928 

4,151 

12,534 

1,598 

10,548 

3,930 

12,271 

407 

10,690 

2,970 

63 

95 

6,304 



pq 



47,220 

104,468 

260,413 

46,817 

30,907 

73,728 

53,310 

40,269 

3,493 

138,252 

101,705 

90,365 

45,170 

23,688 

1,547 

9,315 

34,071 

40,437 

78,476 

25,413 

94,812 

501,607 

72,854 

38,124 

104,691 

12,472 

86,303 

17,987 

69,701 

5,486 

86,806 

21,535 

442 

997 

57,099 



Value of 
Orchard 
Products, 



11,161 

37,535 

31,052 

10,340 

7,310 

9,947 

7,S58 

7,486 

5,412 

21,077 

17,104 

23,831 

7,295 

8,581 

13,384 

6,178 

5,756 

7,514 

9.900 

2,781 

35.139 

49,639 

31,430 

14,019 

15,376 

6,533 

17,348 

5,149 

11,898 

13,670 

16,728 

2,757 

13,642 

3,347 

5,887 



Hay. 



1,048 
3,276 
9,499 
2,224 

525 
1,294 
8,431 
1,189 

115 

416 
1,794 
2,832 

331 

5,042 

9 

285 
86 

211 

751 

380 

2,329 

12,070 

1,874 

301 

4,185 

30 

592 

59 

4,630 

160 
2,536 

217 

2,816 

38 

529 



Hops, 



Cotton. 



8,500 



850 



80 



2,150 



1,960 



4,100 



Potatoes. 



975 



Irish. Sweet. 



cq 



4,707 

24,178 

29,688 

7,142 

19,812 

6,511 

11,515 

2,872 

5,291 

17,940 

18,880 

36,859 

4,995 

7,641 

33,874 

1,159 

8,214 

4,641 

20,099 

6,798 

15,786 

31,150 

9il60 

3,362 

14,950 

18,269 

16,680 

3,240 

9,572 

136,544 

9,108 

8,720 

288,467 

127,823 

2,884 



m 



6,097 
17,807 

1,790 

468 

20,666 

6,904 

2,034 

1,494 
18,956 
23,174 
122,842 
18,690 

5,756 

111 

52,986 

4,725 
17,901 

4,967 
13,895 

8,715 
13,459 

3,191 
12,194 
10,059 

5,277 
26,418 
34,564 

8,437 

1,343 
97,880 

3,589 

24,446 

100,329 

121,667 

18,333 



Tobacco. 



1,391 

6,862 

1 

199 

25 

1,052 

32 

529 

11 

15,042 

1,480 

106 

6,336 

1 

5 

30 
20 
97 

54 

6 

2,978 

3,409 

132 

6,439 

4 

1,333 

1 

3,497 

14 

12 
11 



917,561 

3,529,833 

705 

122,056 

13,829' 

656,624 

10,485 

382,492 

5,075 

7,653,842 

1,064,735 

101,155 

2,955,036 

567 

420 

14,711 
9,775 
63,065 

15,286 

2,454 

1,926,483 

1,976,266 

101,697 

3,436,408 

1,512 

654,496 

215 

2,660,295 

11,860 

1,740 

6,745 



158 



SAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



TABLE No. 12- 



• 


CEREALS. 




Barley. 


Buckwheat. 


Indian Corn. 


Oats. 


Rye. 


COUNTIES. 






















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Nottoway 






7 


63 


13,187 


182,707 


8,447 


54,939 


56 


273 












16,344 

9,335 

15,786 

40,477 


346,035 
205,432 
262,183 
613,186 


4,442 

941 

7,647 

30,014 


38,728 
11,250 
88,285 
243,446 


104 
2,275 
1,288 ' 

149 


5S8 








220 
314 


1,900 
2,349 


15,160 








9,886 








663 


Powhatan ..... 











10,856 


152,060 


6,850 


48,246 


30 


308 








18 
8 


185 
70 


14,446 
16,186 


193,462 
183,683 


7,664 
5,953 


59,870 
54,295 
13,451 

37,788 


11 


65 


Prince George... 
















28,573 
14,829 


306,692 

281,474 


1,138 
3,519 


15 
265 


300 


Prince William.. 






202 


1,925 


1,720 


Pulaski 


24 


252 


530 


3,812 


10,256 


155,989 


2,561 


36,825 


531 


3,124 


Eappahannock . . 






250 


2,091 


13,734 


320,978 


2,620 


31,946 


1,030 


4,930 


Riclimond 






54 


471 


13,712 


157,107 


322 


2,164 


853 


1,628 








150 
225 


1,183 
2,254 


9,464 

18,988 


197,274 
432,645 


4,802 
5,852 


59,538 
69,593 


500 

451 


3,522 


Rockbridge...... 


244 


3,644 


3,229 


Rockingl^am 


236 


4,888 


332 


2,778 


28,938 


657,834 


4.127 


54,833 


2,420 


19,2.30 


Russell 






286 
266 
220 


2,017 
1,862 
1,940 


19,030 
30,456 
17,993 


419,106 
529,968 

440,847 


5,619 
11,457 
1,941 


46,117 
79,698 
27,450 


732 

433 

1,901 


4.878 


Scott 




2,291 


Shenandoah 


17 


317 


16,602 


Smyth 






255 


2,027 


12,692 


325;055 


5,536 


99,697 


351 


3,028 


Southampton 










36,012 


390,968 


1,417 


15,051 


341 


2,600 


Spotsylvania 






44 


522 


18,201 


241,142 


3,912 


23,249 


67 


374 


Stsifford 






49 


524 


15,434 
9,913 


216,333 
84,616 


2,255 
1,930 
2,871 
5,031 


15,101 
10,675 


32 


159 










Sussex 






10 
316 


85 
2,275 


18,746 
14,683 


108,686 
337,488 


25,337 
83,622 


54 
929 


371 


Tazewell 






6,64! 


Warren 






64 
26 


446 
560 


9,663 

5,622 
24,543 


244,459 

70,519 

536,301 


1,362 
322 


16,149 
3,775 


903 


6,457 


Warwick . .. 








Washington 


11 


62 


425 


3,372 


12,582 


159,180 


209 


1,260 


Westmoreland... 






5 


65 


17,743 


216,468 


1,255 


8,663 


42 


321 


Wise 






' 337 

264 


2,674 
1,997 


12,058 
13,305 
8,693 


217,266 
295,484 
104,326 


2,326 

5,951 

725 


17,200 

112,616 

6,836 


1,289 

777 


6,513 


Wythe 


9 


90 


4,867 


York 











HAND-BOOK 0¥ VIEGINIA. 



359 



Continued. 



Wheat. 



5,652 

10,536 

12,396 

4,334 

16,790 

5,868 

5,195 

3,04T 

109 

8,100 

7,105 

8,917 

5,788 

17,073 

24,144 

43,838 

8,623 

13,683 

28,327 

8,272 

101 

7,279 

7,127 

60 

333 

7,911 

11,209 

228 

16,163 

231 

6,513 

4,867 

1,471 



m 



47,503 
76,102 

122,638 
23,797 

112,214 
51,314 
45,838 
33,441 
790 
65,964 
41,594 
64,716 
42,926 

172,468 

203,097 

507,080 
79,280 
72,912 

351,635 

68,412 

858 

49,874 

40,697 

241 

2,471 

72,978 

106,918 
3,658 

107'903 
45,146 
12,307 
70,713 
15,679 



Value of 
Orcliard 
Products. 



15,665 
12,531 
16,929 
14,976 
31,753 
14,089 
15,217 

4,295 

8,469 
18,393 

9,593 
19,286 

8,B76 
20,168 
21,634 
38,626 
14,527 
22,460 
49,341 

6,118 
16,916 
10.735 
15,234 
10,331 

6,383 
11,720 
15,678 

8,620 
21,219 
12,164 
15,880 
10,238 

2,369 



Hay. 



241 

3,244 

2,471 

942 

1,128 

758 

1,100 

550 

455 

3,495 

4,867 

4,117 

391 

5,629 

11,173 

16,770 

1,946 

1,739 

10,753 

4,2oT 

31 

1,153 

1,083 

42 

157 

5,907 

2,715 

40 

5,948 

255 

691 

9,225 

30 



Hops. 



Cotton. 



1,900 



900 



11,500 



700 



5,200 



4,800 



1,950 



Potatoes. 



Irish. 



w 



Sweet. 



5,347 

3,180 

16,511 

24,815 

20,876 

4,023 1 

5,319 

4,085 

44,005 

12,063 

5,254 

11.171 

2,477 

8,534 

14,446 

34,221 

9,050 

14,343 

30,429 

10,312 

5,744 

4,407 

13,380 

8,485 

2,296 

10,205 

10,169 

1,08§ 

12,226 

5,881 

4,319 

15,190 

20.405 



n 



9,569 

1,812 

3,603 
21,008 
23,145 

4,459 

6,323 
10,995 
49,092 

1,621 
271 

1,984 
10,443 

1,451 
852 

7,184 

2,974 
13,552 

8,025 

453 

68,315 

3,043 

5,280 
13,784 

7,140 
464 

1,409 
169 

4,663 
11,174 

2,828 

269 

10,529 



Tobacco. 



2,911 

372 

8 

1,645 

22,680 

1,479 

4,357 

27 

5 

211 

12 

14 

1,022 

517 

14 

34 

135 

5 

40 

5 

554 

7 

5 

48 

2 

679 

14 

6 

16 

5 



1,582,670 

260.715 

5,237 

714,073 

12,271,533 

914,132 

2,462,326 

20,500 

1.292 

122,776 

3,330 

7,322 

585,410 

360,065 

9,564 

11,405 

49,659 

3,106 

17,850 

2,775 

396,688 

4,280 

4,715 

18,357 

2,303 

353,457 

13,450 

3,308 

7,383 

1,061 



160 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



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HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



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164 



HAJ^JD-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 







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HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 165 

A BRIEF SUMMARY 

OF THE 

pi^toiij of pnHic Free ^chool^ iq fcginia 

AND THE MEANS OF ACQUIRING 

A FREE HIGHER EDUCATION, 

Prepared by B. B. Farr^ Superintendent of Public Instruction, at the request of 

Col. Bandolph Harrison, Commissioner of Agriculture of Virginia, 

for his Hand-Book of \irginia. 



The present public free school system of Virginia Is a part of the State consti- 
tution which was framed by the convention of 1867, and ratified by the people 
July 6th, 1869. The principal and essential features of the system are clearly 
and emphatically defined by sections 1 to 12 inclusive of article 8 of the constitu- 
tion. These sections are so closely connected and ^e such a comprehensive 
view of the details of the system that they are quoted in full for information. 
Being the supreme law of the State, they are the superior of any statute that has 
been or may be passed in conflict with their provisions. 

ARTICLE VIII— Education. 

Sec. 1. The general assembly shall elect, in joint ballot, within thirty days 
after its organization, under this constitution, and every fourth year thereafter, 
a superintendent of public instruction. He shall have the general supervision of 
the public free school interest of the State, and shall report to the general assem- 
bly for its consideration, within thirty days after his election, a plan for a uniform 
system of public free schools. 

Sec. 2. There shall be a board of education, composed of the governor, super- 
intendent of public instruction, and attorney-general, which shall appoint and 
have power to remove, for cause! and upon notice to the incumbents, subject to 
confirmation by the senate, all county superintendents of public free schools. 
This board shall have, regulated by law, the management and investment of all 
schools funds, and such supervision of schools of higher grades as the law 
shall provide. 

Sec. 3. The general assembly shall provide by law, at its first session under 
this constitution, a uniform system of public free schools, and for its gradual, 
equal, and full introduction into all the counties of the State, by the year 1876, or 
as much earlier as practicable. 

Sec. 4. The general assembly shall have power, after a full introduction of the 
public free school system, to make such laws as shall not permit parents and 
guardians to allow their children to grow up in ignorance and vagrancy. 

Sec. 5. The general assembly shall establish, as soon as practicable, normal 
schools, and may establish agricultural schools and such grades of schools as 
shall be for the public good. 



166 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

Sec. 6. The board of education shall provide for uniformity of text-books and 
the furnishing of school-houses with such apparatus and library as may be neces- 
sary, under such regulations as may be provided by law. 

Sec. 7. The general assembly shall set apart, as a permanent, and perpetual lit- 
erary fund, the present literary funds of the State, the proceeds of all public 
lands donated by congress for public school purposes, of all escheated property, 
of all waste and unappropriated lands, of all property accruing to the State by 
forfeiture, and all fines collected for offences committed against the State, and 
such other sums as the general assembly may appropriate. 

Sec. 8. The general assembly shall apply the annual interest on the literary 
fund, the capitation tax provided for by this constitution for public free school 
purposes, and an annual tax upon the property of the State of not less than one 
mill nor more than five mills on the dollar, for the equal benefit of all the people 
of the State, the number of children between the ages of five and twenty-one 
years, in each public free school district, being the basis of such division. Pro- 
vision shall be made to supply children attending the public free schools with 
necessary text-books in cases where the parent or guardian is unable, by reason 
of poverty, to furnish them. Each county and public free school district may 
raise additional sums by a tax on property for the support of the public free 
schools. All unexpended sums of any one year in any public free school district 
shall go into the general school fund for redivision the next year : provided, that 
any tax authorized by this section to be raised by counties or school districts shall 
not exceed five mills on a^ollar in any one year, and shall not be subject to a re- 
division, as hereinbefore provided in this section. 

Sec. 9. The general assembly shall have power to foster all higher grades of 
schools under its supervision, and to provide for such purpose a permanent educa- 
tional fund. 

Sec. 10. All grants and donations received by the general assembly for educa- 
tional purposes shall be applied according to the terms prescribed by the donors. 
Sec. 11. Each city and county shall be held accountable for the destruction of 
school property that may take place within its limits by incendiaries or open 
violence. 

Sec. 12. The general assembly shall fix the salaries and prescribe the duties of 
all school officers, and shall make all needful laws and regulations to carry into 
effect the public free school system provided for by this article. 

At the time the constitution was ratified, July 6, 1869, members for a general 
assembly were elected, which met the 5th of the following October, and among 
its first acts was the passage of a law providing for the adoption of a uniform 
system of public free schools for the counties. This law was approved July 11th, 
1870, (the law to provide for a system of public free schools in the cities of the 
commonwealth was not passed until the following session, and was approved 
March 31st, 1871.) 

These laws were both very full and explicit, and provided that the schools 
should be free to all the children of the commonwealth between the ages of five 
and twenty-one, and re-enacted, with the requisite machinery to put them prop- 
erly in operation, the provisions of the constitution. It provided that the district 
school trustees required by section 3 of article 7 of the constitution should be 
elected and controlled under said section by the board of education. This was 
amended January 11th, 1877, so as to create a " trustee electoral board," to be 
composed of the county superintendent of schools, county judge, and attorney 
for the commonwealth, and this was superseded in February, 1884, by the law 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGIKTA. 167^ 

which creates in each county in the State a board known as the " County Board 
of School Commissioners," to consist of "three citizens of each county in the 
commonwealth," to be elected by the general assembly every four years, and " to 
go into office the first day of April succeeding their election, after having first 
taken and subscribed the usual oath of ofiice." This board is clothed with all the 
powers and duties of its predecessor. 

Whilst there is nothing in the constitution of the State which prohibits white 
and colored children from being taught in the game schools, the original law, 
which gave force to the constitution, provides that " white and colored children 
shall not be taught in the same school, but in separate schools, under the same 
general regulations as to management, usefulness, and efficiency." This provis- 
ion was emphasised by the law being re-enacted the 27th of June, 1877, and again 
the 26th of January, 1882. 

In brief, the public free school system of Virginia is administered by the follow- 
ing boards and officers : 

The State board of education, consisting of the governor, who is ex-officio chair- 
man, the attorney-general, and superintendent of public instruction. At this 
time it is composed of Hon. W. E. Cameron, governor; Hon. F. S. Blair, attor- 
ney-general ; and R. R. Farr, superintendent of public instruction. 

The superintendent of public instruction is elected by the joint vote of the 
general assembly, and holds his office for four years from the 15th day of March 
following his election. He is " the chief executive of the public free school sys- 
tem," and is charged with the duty of seeing that all laws and regulations are 
faithfully executed, and to determine the true intent and meaning of same. His 
duties are numerous and responsible. He is provided with an office and two 
clerks, and is allowed a salary of two thousand dolJars per annum, and is required 
to make an annual report to the board of education of "' his official proceedings 
for the year ending the 31st day of July preceding." 

Every county and city in the State — and some of the towns — has a superintendent 
of schools, who is appointed by the board of education for four years from thQ 
first of July following the appointment, " subject to confirmation by the 
senate." Their salaries are fixed according to the population of their respective 
counties and cities, and paid in quarterly instalments out of the State school 
fund. They receive thirty dollars for each thousand of population under their 
respective jurisdictions for the first ten thousand, rejecting fractions less than five 
hundred, and twenty dollars for each one thousand in excess of ten thousand up 
to and including thirty thousand, rejecting fractions of five hundred, and so on. 

Superintendents of schools have a general supervision over all the schools in 
their respective counties, cities, and towns, and are required to do all in their 
power to promote the efficiency of the same. They examine and license all 
teachers, apportion the State and county school money among tiie several school 
districts, and exercise a general supervision over the finance of the schools. All 
teachers of the county or city report to the superintendent monthly and at the 
end of their term ; and it is his receipt for monthly reports that entitles them to 
the warrants of the board of trustees, upon which they draw their salaries. Every 
superintendent is required to report to the superintendent of public instruction 
monthly and annually, and to observe such instructions and regulations as he 
may from time to time prescribe. 

The following is a correct list of the county and city superintendents, and the 
amount of salary each receives from the State. Cities and towns can supplement 
the salary of their superintendent, but counties cannot : 



168 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA. 



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hand-book of vieginia. 175 

The law provides that each school district shall correspond in boundaries with 
the magisterial districts (except when modified in the creation of sub-districts), 
"that each district shall be a body corporate ; that it may sue and be sued, con- 
tract and be contracted with, take, hold and convey property." 

There are 450 districts in the counties of the State, and ten city school boards, 
composed of all the trustees of the respective cities or towns, who are appointed 
by the councils of the same. Each city board constitutes a single corporation, 
with the same officers, powers and duties of ordinary boards of district school 
trustees. 

TRUSTEES. 

There are three trustees for each school district, one of them being appointed 
annually by the board of school commissioners. There are 1,350 trustees for the 
districts in the counties, and 102 for the wards in the cities, giving a total of 1,452 
for the State. With the exception of the member who acts as clerk of the district 
board — who may be allowed for his services out of the district fund not exceeding 
two dollars for every day of service rendered within prescribed limits — the mem- 
bers serve without compensation. 

TEACHEES. 

All persons who desire to teach in the public schools are re|uired to be exam- 
ined by and obtain from the superintendent of the county or city, where they 
intend to teach, a written certificate of qualification. They are elected by the 
boards of trustees of the respective districts, and are required by law to enter 
into a written contract to faithfully discharge their duties. 

During the school year ending the 31st day of July, 1884, there were em- 
ployed in the State 2,862 white male teachers, 2,421 white female teachers; 885 
colored male teachers, and 703 colored female teachers — making a total of 6 371 
employed. The average salary, per month, paid teachers for year ending -July 
31st, 1884, was: White males, $30.25; females, $26.18. Colored males, $25.77; 
colored females, $23.52. 

BRANCHES TAUGHT. 

In every public free school shall be taught orthography, reading, writing 
arithmetic, grammar, and geography, and by common consent history, and na 
other branches unless the county school board has determined to introduce the 
higher branches ; then the boards of trustees of the districts in such counties, 
with the consent of said board in each case, can introduce the higher branches in 
their respective schools, provided that the introduction of said branches does not 
conflict or interfere with efficient instruction in the elementary English branches. 
District boards are required to fnrnish text-books free to children whose parents 
or guardian are unable to provide them. 



TEXT-BOOKS. 



A list of text-books is prescribed by the board of education, from whi-, ^he 
county boards adopt such books as they may think proper. ' 

The contracts are made with the publishing houses for four years, and no book 
not found on the state list can be used in any of the public free schools, nor can 
any book, when adopted, be changed for any other on the same subject until the 
expiration of the four years. 



176 . hand-book: of Virginia. 



COUNTY SCHOOL BOARDS. 

In each county there is a county school board, composed of the county super- 
mtendent, who is ex-officio its chairman, and -the district trustees of all the dis- 
tricts in the county. This board recommends to the board of supervisors the 
amount of money necessary for the county and district school fund for the ensu- 
ing year. It is also charged with the duty of seeing that the treasurer's accounts 
and the accounts of the district clerks are correct, and of instituting suits against 
all defaulters. 

SCHOOL TAXES 

consists of three classes. First, the amount received from the State under the 
requirements of the constitution, and this now is also divided into two classes — 
viz : the gross amount received annually, which, under the requirements of the 
act approved March 6th, 1883, is left in the hands of the respective treasurers, 
and disbursed on the order of the superintendent of schools. Second, all cash 
received on account of balances due on the annual revenue, on the final settle- 
ment of the account, the quarterly payment required by the act referred to, to 
be paid on the arrearage account and the interest on the literary fund These 
amounts are all paid into the hands of the second auditor, to the credit of the 
State board of education, and are disbursed in accordance with the requirements 
of law for the support of public free schools upon the order of said board. 

The county school tax is levied by the boards of supervisors, upon the recom- 
mendation of the county school board. It is a general tax upon the people of the 
county, and when collected is apportioned to the respective districts upon the 
basis of school population, as state money is apportioned, and can be used only 
for the pay of teachers. 

The district tax is levied upon the property of the respective districts, and is 
used exclusively in the district where it is collected for building, repairing and 
furnishing school-houses, providing school furniture and apparatus, supplying 
indigent children with text-books, and to pay contingent expenses. 

THE FIRST PUBLIC FREE SCHOOLS 

under the present system were opened about the middle of November, 1870. The 
most of the school-houses and appliances were provided by private means, the 
machinery of levying and collecting the district tax, as it now exists, not having 
been authorized. 

The following table gives a summary of each year's work, school population, 
teachers, enrollment, and average attendance, by color, as well as amount of State, 
county and district money expended each year. From this table it will be seen 
that the least amount of money expended by the State for public education was in 
1879, ar i the greatest amount in 1884; that tlie smallest amount raised by the 
count-' jj for county school purposes was in 1870, and the largest in 1884; tliat 
rai?<?A by district tax smallest in 1870 and largest in 1873. That the total amount 
ex'': ended by the State, county and district, respectively, on account of public free 
schools for the fourteen years that the present system has been in existence 
amounts to the following sums: State, $6,359,795; county, $2,942,795; district, 
$3,951,341--a grand total of $13,253,931. 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



177 






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178 



HAND-BOOK OP VIRGINIA. 



TABLE No. 2. 

Showing number of Schools, Enrolment of Scholars, and Average Daily Attend- 
ance for Year ending July dlst, 1884. 





SCHOOLS. 


ENEOLMENT. 


AvEBAGE Daily Attendance, 




3 


•6 

o 
o 
o 


< 
O 


3 


•6 

1 
o 
o 


4 

O 


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3 


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1 


2 


s 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


Accomac 


61 


17 


78 


3,402 


1,571 


4,973 


1,765 


650 


2,414 


Albemarle 


T5 


42 


117 


2,746 


2,180 


4,926 


1,598 


1,318 


2,916 


Alexandria City. 


17 


14 


31 


883 


834 


1,717 


641 


678 


1,219 


Alexandria Co . . 


4 


5 


9 


244 


437 


681 


175 


289 


464 


Alleghany 


32 


6 


38 


1,115 


200 


1,315 


640 


120 


760 


Amelia 


15 


15 


30 


520 


882 


1,402 


309 


424 


733 


Amherst 


50 


24 


74 


2,246 


1,118 


3,364 


1,311 


695 


2,006 


Appomattox — 


27 


15 


42 


1,050 


896 


1,946 


595 


452 


1,047 


Augusta 


144 


40 


184 


5,198 


1,511 


6,709 


3,121 


1,004 


4,125 


Batli 


24 
96 
33 
66 


4 
38 

1 
22 


28 

134 

34 

88 


733 
4,388 
1,334 
1,863 


126 

2,190 

25 

755 


859 
6,578 
1.359 
2,598 


476 
2,383 

802 
1,391 


89 

1,776 

17 

541 


1,565 


Bedford 


3,559 


Bland 


819 


Botetourt 


1,932 


Brunswick 


36 


36 


69 


1,254 


2,134 


3,388 


715 


900 


1,615 


Buchanan 

Buckingham 


23 





22 


689 




689 


371 




371 


46 


36 


82 


1,378 


1,581 


2,959 


807 


910 


1,717 


Campbell 


74 


26 


73 


2,317 


1,894 


4,211 


1,120 


785 


1,905 


Carolinei 


32 


31 


63 


1,073 


1,339 


2,412 


678 


738 


1,416 


Carroll 


79 

8 


3 

S 


82 
16 


3,801 

254 


74 
438 


3,875 
692 


1,820 
135 


48 
228 


1,868 


Charles City.. . 


363 


Charlotte 


32 


26 


58 


1,341 


1,721 


3,062 


740 


1,083 


1,32J 


Chesterfield 


43 


24 


67 


1,518 


1,230 


2,748 


1,037 


6S0 


1,687 


Clarke 


20 
28 
37 


9 


22 


29 
28 
59 


928 

959 

1,276 


489 


1,417 

959 

2,522 


451 
644 
779 


276 


727 




644 


Culpeper........ 


1,246 


731 


1,510 


Cumberland 


21 


18 


39 


589 


1,156 


1,745 


385 


653 


938 


Danville 


11 


10 


21 


463 


746 


1,209 


262 


342 


604 


Danville Distr'ct 


39 


23 


62 


1,905 


1,832 


3,737 


1,015 


958 


1,973 


Dickenson 


25 




25 


1,030 




1,030 


547 




547 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



179 



TABLE No. 2— Continued. 





SCHOOLS. 


ENROLMENT. 


AVEKAGE Daily Attendance 




3 


•6 
2 

o 
o 
O 


>4 
< 

g 


1 

3 


•6 

F-i 

o 

o 


< 

EH 

O 


3 


13 

a> 
o 
o 

O 


h4 
o 




1 


2 


8 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


Dinwiddie 


33 


27 


60 


1,014 


1,682 


2,696 


545 


671 


1,216 


Elizabeth City.. 


14 


15 


29 


568 


1,169 


1,787 


348 


798 


1,147 


Essex 


19 


31 


40 


583 


1,820 


1,903 


340 


615 


945 


Fairfax 


50 


21 


71 


2,070 


1,030 


3,100 


1,137 


542 


1,679 


Fauquier 


62 


31 


93 


2,400 


1,450 


3,850 


1,305 


814 


2.119 


Floyd 


T5 


7 


82 


3,540 


301 


3,841 


1,964 


203 


2,167 


Fluvanna 


31 


19 


50 


1,099 


946 


2,045 


631 


503 


1,134 


Franklin 


89 


30 


119 


3,824 


1,4T7 


5,301 


1,938 


891 


2,829 


Frederick; 


TB 


7 


SO 


2,988 


146 


3,084 


1,801 


100 


1,901 


Fredericksburg.. 


8 


3 


11 


481 


258 


689 


348 


187 


580 


Winchester 


7 


3 


10 


387 


240 


627 


295 


98 


391 


Giles 


49 
20 


8 
23 


57 
43 


2,020 
869 


249 
1,431 


2,269 
2,291 


812 
457 


97 

817 


909 


Gloucester 


1,274 


Goochland 


24 


24 


48 


812 


1,153 


1,965 


439 


592 


1,031 




73 


5 


78 


8,658 
820 


> 185 


8,843 


1,895 


105 


2,000 


Greene 


22 


6 


28 


223 


1,054 


472 


151 


623 


Greensville 


22 


23 


45 


505 


954 


1,459 


350 


632 


982 


Halifax 


76 


48 


124 


2,897 
1,480 


2 898 


5,795 


1,538 
705 


1,536 
795 


3,074 


Hanover.... 


35 


30 


65 


1,521 


3,001 


1,500 


Henrieo 


37 


27 


64 


1,412 


1,555 


2,967 


890 


929 


1,819 


Henry 


45 


29 


74 


1,600 


1,292 


2,892 


782 


649 


1,431 


Highland 


41 


1 


42 


1,379 


30 


1,409 


906 


16 


922 


Isle of Wight.. . . 


29 


15 


44 


1,070 


550 


1,6T0 


724 


345 


1,069 


James City.. .. 


9 


8 


17 


290 


455 


745 


157 


228 


385 


King and Queen 


19 


16 


35 


700 


846 


1,546 


453 


413 


871 


King George 


17 


11 


28 


558 


616 


1,174 


273 


325 


598 


King William... 


17 


16 


33 


628 


968 


1,591 


871 


517 


888 


Lancaster 


10 


9 


19 


371 


571 


942 


212 


274 


486 


Lee 


89 
75 


5 
27 


94 
102 


5,800 
3,175 


800 
1,662 


5,600 
4,837 


4,000 
1,835 


210 

785 


4.210 


Loudoun 


2,620 


Louisa 


42 


48 


85 


1,365 


2,176 


3,541 


787 


1,069 


1,856 


Lunenburg 


27 


21 


48 


886 


1,050 


1,936 


468 


572 


1,040 


Lynchburg 


25 


16 


41 


1,383 


1,074 


2,457 


894 


701 


1,595 


-Madison 


40 


18 


58 


1,299 


890 


2,189 


792 


631 


1,423 



180 



HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 



TABLE No. 2— Continued. 







SCHOOLS. 


ENROLMENT. 


AVKBAGB Daily Attendance. 






1 
S 


•6 
o 


< 
O 


a) 


■3 

o 
o 
a 


H 

O 


3 


'6 

o 
o 
O 


< 
O 




1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


Manchester 


7 


4 


11 


466 


318 


784 


322 


201 


523 


Matthews 
Mecklenbi 




19 
40 


9 

37 


28 
7T 


700 
1,580 


300 
2,328 


1,000 

3,908 


427 
900 


173 
1,153 


600 


irg... 


2,053 


Middlesex 


13 


10 


23 


468 


724 


1,192 


246 


288 


534 


Montgomery. . . . 


81 


17 


98 


2,896 


641 


3,037 


1,606 


340 


1,846 


Nansemond 


34 


22 


56 


1,200 


1,230 


2,430 


620 


658 


1,278 


Nelson 


53 
11 


28 


81 


1 710 


1,252 

424 


2,962 


1,061 
171 


786 


1,837 
421 


New Kent 


9 


20 


279 


703 


260 


Norfolk City.... 


18 


10 


28 


1,383 


616 


1.9m 


739 


477 


1,216 


Norfolk County. 


30 


30 


60 


1,320 


2,339 


3,659 


832 


994 


1,826 


Northampton... 


16 


10 


26 


651 


742 


1,393 


339 


352 


691 


Northumberl 'nd 


21 


9 


30 


920 


600 


1,562 


504 


279 


783 


Nottoway 


18 


17 


36 


622 


883 


1,505 


392 


554 


946 


Orange ... 


33 


21 


64 


1,130 


1,154 


3,284 


720 


714 


1,434 


Page ...... . . 


59 


7 


66 


2 529 


" 299 


2,828 


1,510 

1,269 

801 


187 


1,697 


Patrick 


55 
20 


11 
21 


66 
41 


2,817 
1,133 


464 

1,585 


3,281 

2,718 


243 
1,178 


1,612 


Petersburg 


1,979 


Pittsylvania 


65 


32 


97 


2,943 


2,011 


4,954 


1,341 


919 


2,260 


Portsmouth 


10 


4 


14 


628 


488 


1,116 


460 


348 


798 


Powhatan 


16 


14 


30 


494 


806 


1,300 


307 


407 


714 


Prince Edward. 


29 


26 


B6 


867 


1,493 


2,360 


551 


810 


1,361 


Prince George.. 


19 


17 


36 


589 


1,017 


1,606 


338 


506 


844 


Prince William. 


S5 


11 


46 


1,419 


545 


1,964 


731 


274 


1 ,«05 


Princess Anne . . 


22 


11 


33 


1,049 


720 


1,769 


537 


393 


930 


Pulaski... 


28 


10 


38 


1,272 


428 


1,700 


749 


269 


1,018 


Kappahannock . 


29 


13 


42 


1,192 


660 


1,852 


604 


261 


765 


laclnnond City. . 


101 


58 


159 


4,959 


3,194 


8,153 


4,014 


2,746 


6,760 


Eichmona Co... 


22 


8 


30 


795 


451 


1,246 


390 


229 


619 


Eoanoke . 




64 
91 


20 
23 


74 
114 


2,534 
3,C40 


979 
1,125 


3,513 
4,665 


1,165 
2,009 


621 
732 


1,786 


Eockbridg 


i 


2,741 


Rockingham 


183 


19 


202 


7,146 


1,103 


8,250 


4,59« 


424 


5,017 


Eussell 


73 

87 
102 


9 

3 
4 


82 

90 

106 


3,264 
4,753 
4,677 


277 

77 

154 


3,541 
4,830 
4,731 


1,603 
2,589 
2,591 


202 
64 
95 


2,005 


Scott 


2,643 


Shenandoa 


h 1 


2,6S 



HAND-BOOK OF VIEGINIA; 



181 



TABLE 2— Continued. 





SCHOOLS. 


ENROLMENT. 


Average Daily Attendance 




3 


■6 

O 
O 

o 


< 
O 


3 


P 
o 
o 


< 
Eh 
O 


03 

3 


•a 

£ 

o 
o 
O 


<4 
< 

EH 




1 


2 


8 


4 


6 


6 


T 


8 


9 


Smyth 


60 


8 


68 


2,678 


374 


3,052 


1,805 


230 


2,035 


Southampton . . . 


40 


32 


72 


1,210 


2,18i 


3,395 


556 


701 


1,257 


Spotsylvania 


25 


16 


41 


871 


S86 


1,757 


475 


417 


892 


Stafford 


24 


8 


32 


976 


369 


1,345 


489 


172 


661 


Staunton 


11 


9 


20 


807 


471 


978 


c 379 


375 


754 


Surry • ... 


12 
24 


13 

28 


25 
52 


395 

642 


828 
1,460 


1,223 
2,102 


230 
363 


399 
684 


629 


Sussex 


1,047 


Tazewell 


62 


16 


78 


2,242 


542 


8,784 


1,214 


302 


1,516 




28 
5 


T 
6 


35 
11 


1,319 
170 


271 
342 


1,590 
512 


688 
111 


161 
209 


849 


W arwlcK 


320 


Washington 


102 


17 


119 


5,147 


787 


5,934 


2,701 


453 


3,164 


Westmoreland.. 


18 


12 


30 


691 


»10 


1,601 


388 


271 


659 




24 
61 




24 
73 


1,571 
2,583 


503 


],571 
3,086 


1,250 
1,428 


274 


1,250- 


Wythe.... 


12 


1,702 


York 


13 


10 


23 


580 


690 


1,270 


290 


402 


692 


Totals 


4,477 


1,873 


6,350 


184,720 


103,310 


288,030 


106,907 


56,462 


163,369 



182 HAND-BOOK OF VIRGINIA. 

In addition to the instruction in the higher branches, which is given in many of 
the public free schools of the counties, the public high schools of the principal 
cities, such as Eichmond — where public free school facilities rank first in the State, 
and which will compare favorably with those of any other city of equal extent in 
the United States — Petersburg, Norfolk, Alexandria, Lynchburg, Staunton, and 
most of the towns, such as Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Abingdon, and so on, 
furnish ample facilities for acquiring a first-class education. 

Besides these means of obtaining a free education, all of the young men in the 
State over 18 years of age under restrictions in regard to proficiency are allowed to 
enter the academic department of the University of Virginia free of tuition, thus 
affording a rare opportunity to secure the highest education. The university is 
situated at Charlottesville, Albemarle county, and was established in 1825. 

The Virginia Military Institute is situated at Lexington, Va., in the county of 
Rockbridge, and was established in 1839. 

The Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical college is situated at Blacksburg, in 
Montgomery county, Va., and was opened in 1872. 

These institutions are supported in part by the State, and are free for a selected 
number of male students of proper age and acquirements. 

The Virginia Normal School, at Farmville, was opened in 1884, and is exclu- 
sively for the education of teachers. It is supported by the State, and is open 
only to young ladies under certain restrictions as to qualification and location. 

The Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, established at Hampton in 
1868, is for colored youths of both sexes, and receives some assistance from the 
State. 

The Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute is situated in the county of Ches- 
terfield, opposite the city of Petersburg. It was incorporated in 1882, and the 
normal department opened in October, 1883, It is exclusively for the education 
of the negroes of Virginia of both sexes, and is managed by a board of trustees, 
all of whom are negroes but two, and the act of its incorporation requires that the 
president and all the instructors and attaches shall be of that race. 

In addition to these institutions provision is made by the state for the education 
of the mute and blind in an institution at Staunton. 

From this brief summary it will be seen that Virginia is alive to the great im- 
portance of education, and has afibrded her children ample opportunities to obtain 
not only a well grounded primary education, through the means of a thorough 
public free-school system, but unusual facilities for the higher education free in 
the institutions enumerated. 

A careful examination of tables 1 and 2 will show that the people are alive to 
their interest, and that never in the histoiy of the State were they so thoroughly 
awakened to the importance of education as at the present time. 

Very respectfully, 

R. R. FARE, 
Superintendent Public Instruction. 



LB 



-=-:2.. 



